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.

Chapoutier’s Ermitage le Pavillon is made from syrah vines with an average age of 90+ years. The grapes are hand-harvested, totally de-stemmed, and fermented in concrete tanks. The wine mature in oak casks for 18 to 20 months.

Le Pavillon has a deep garnet red color with purple highlights. It is tarry and smoky on the nose with aromas of raspberry, blackberry, walnut and licorice. The wine has a complex taste and strong attack. It is velvety and balanced, with a long final finish and flavors of liquorice, tobacco and cocoa. Depending on the vintage, the wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or even from 50 to 75 years.

Introducing the 2012 Chapoutier Ermitage le Pavillon, a remarkable Syrah from the Rhone region of France. This wine is a true testament to the craftsmanship of the renowned producer, Chapoutier. With a deep red color that shimmers in the glass, it immediately captivates the eye and promises a sensory adventure.

On the nose, this wine reveals an extraordinary perfume that is both decadent and heavenly. Notes of cassis, raspberries, and crushed flowers intertwine with hints of powdered rock and smoked earth. It is a symphony of aromas that dance elegantly, inviting you to indulge in its complexity.

Upon the first sip, the 2012 Ermitage le Pavillon greets the palate with a full-bodied and velvety texture. Its richness and intensity are beautifully balanced, showcasing the essence of the Syrah grape. The flavors of dark cassis and raspberry fruit unfold, leaving a lingering impression of pure pleasure.

This wine hails from the granite soils of the les Bessards lieu-dit, known for producing some of the most muscular and concentrated wines in the world. Despite its power, the 2012 vintage is surprisingly approachable, a testament to its exceptional quality. It is recommended to cellar this wine for 6-7 years to fully appreciate its potential, but it can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve gracefully for decades to come.

Renowned wine critics have heaped praise upon this vintage, with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarding it a perfect score of 100 points. Wine Spectator also lauds its energy and racy acidity, while Jeb Dunnuck describes it as a "blockbuster yet magical wine." Jeff Leve notes its full-bodied density and predicts it will reach its peak after at least two decades of aging.

In conclusion, the 2012 Chapoutier Ermitage le Pavillon is a wine that embodies perfection in Syrah. Its exquisite aromatics, immense richness, and endless finish make it a quintessential masterpiece. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for years to come, this wine promises an unforgettable and enchanting experience.