2011 Chapoutier Ermitage les Greffieux

Syrah - 750ML
Reg: $169.94
$139.94
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REVIEWS

WS 95 WA 94
WS 95

Wine Spectator, May 2014

Offers a mouthfilling, brambly feel, with dark plum, steeped blackberry and mulled boysenberry fruit at the core, backed by anise, singed mesquite and black tea notes that give the finish a perfumy caste. Has depth and...
WA 94

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, August 2014

Showing the sunny, supple and perfumed nature of the vintage, the 2011 Ermitage Les Greffieux gives up sweet red currants, blueberry, violets, graphite and spice in its medium to full-bodied, sexy style. Hard to resist...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Syrah
Country France
Region Rhone
Sub-region Northern Rhone
Appellation Hermitage
Vintage 2011
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 13.5%
Closure Cork

Chapoutier is one of the oldest wine producers in the Rhone Valley with a history dating back to 1808. A distant ancestor, Polydor Chapoutier, was the first to buy vines here, shifting from being a simple grape grower to making and trading his own wine. For the last two hundred years, the estate has been producing some of the greatest wines in the Rhone Valley. Today, the range also includes wines from some Roussillon appellations as well as projects in Portugal and Australia.

Under Michel Chapoutier’s leadership, quality improved and Chapoutier gained international recognition. The massive negociant and winery produces single-vineyard expressions and classic wines from a range of appellations in the north and south of the valley.

They have adopted biodynamic farming techniques and have included Braille markings on their labels since 1996. This was done from a desire to reach out to and include lovers of good wines with sight-impairments, and as a tribute to Maurice Monier of La Sizeranne, a member of the family that previously owned the vines of the same name and who invented the first abbreviated version of Braille.

Ermitage wines possess a rich historical past. They were appreciated as early on as Roman times when they were enjoyed (as well as Cote Rotie wines) under the name of "Vienne wines" and were later to be called "Saint Christopher's hillside wines" because of a chapel there bearing the saint's name. They were also to be known of as “Tournon wines".

The name of Ermitage probably first appeared in the 17th Century in memory of Henry Gaspard, a knight from Sterimberg who, having come back from the Crusades (in the 13th Century) and tired of waging war, lived as a hermit on a hillside which had been given to him by Anne of Castille, Queen of Spain. There he planted a vineyard.

Chapoutier’s 100% Syrah comes from the Greffieux, situated at the foot of the Hermitage hill. The soil is made up of glacial alluvial deposit composed of shingles and clay. Les Greffieux has a steady garnet red color. On the nose are aromas of small black fruits, ink and black pepper. The wine has powerful tannins and hints of liquorice. Depending on the vintage, it can be kept from 30 to 60 years or from 50 to 75 years.

The 2011 Chapoutier Ermitage les Greffieux is a captivating red wine that exudes elegance and complexity. Hailing from the renowned Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France, this wine showcases the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of the esteemed producer, Chapoutier.

In the glass, this wine displays a deep, rich red color that is both alluring and enticing. The aromas that waft from the glass are nothing short of mesmerizing. Sweet red currants, blueberry, and violets dance together, creating an enchanting bouquet that captivates the senses. Subtle hints of graphite and spice add depth and complexity, enticing the nose with every swirl.

On the palate, the 2011 Ermitage Les Greffieux is medium to full-bodied, with a supple and velvety texture that glides effortlessly across the tongue. The flavors mirror the aromas, with luscious red fruits taking center stage. Dark plum, steeped blackberry, and mulled boysenberry create a symphony of flavors that are both delicious and satisfying. As the wine evolves on the palate, anise, singed mesquite, and black tea notes emerge, adding layers of complexity and intrigue.

The finish is nothing short of extraordinary, with a perfumed caste that lingers on the tongue long after the last sip. This wine has depth and power, yet remains remarkably refined and balanced. It is a testament to the exceptional quality of the 2011 vintage and showcases the potential for aging gracefully.

Both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator have bestowed high praise upon this wine, with scores of 94 and 95 respectively. The reviewers have noted its sunny, supple, and perfumed nature, as well as its ability to evolve gracefully over time.

In conclusion, the 2011 Chapoutier Ermitage les Greffieux is a wine that embodies the essence of the Hermitage appellation. It is a wine of exceptional quality, with a captivating bouquet, luscious flavors, and a remarkable finish. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.