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 2014 Chapoutier Ermitage les Greffieux is a stunning red wine from the Rhone region of France. With a deep and rich color, this Syrah varietal exudes elegance and complexity. The wine is enclosed with a traditional cork closure, adding a touch of old-world charm to the bottle.

On the nose, this wine offers a captivating array of aromas. Notes of black olive, beef blood, smoke, and ripe dark fruits create a more gamey profile, enticing the senses with their intensity. It is a true pleasure to inhale the scents of this wine, as they transport you to the heart of the Northern Rhone.

Upon tasting, the 2014 Ermitage Les Greffieux showcases a full-bodied and meaty character. The mouthfeel is velvety and unctuous, coating the palate with its richness. The fruit flavors burst forth, offering a big mouthful of deliciousness. The wine reveals layers of lightly mulled plum, blackberry, and black currant, creating a dense and satisfying experience.

This cuvée comes from the middle of the slope in the Greffieux parcel, which adds a unique aspect to its terroir expression. It has been aged in 20% new oak, enhancing its complexity and adding subtle hints of oak influence. The result is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for the next two decades, allowing it to develop further and reveal even more of its potential.

Renowned wine critics have also praised this exceptional wine. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive score of 96 points, describing it as a "meaty, rich, and unctuous beauty." Wine Spectator also recognized its quality, rating it 94 points and noting its density and restraint.

The 2014 Chapoutier Ermitage les Greffieux is a wine that exudes elegance, complexity, and a true expression of its terroir. It is a remarkable addition to any wine collection and a must-try for enthusiasts of Rhone wines.