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 in Roman times when they and Cote Rotie wines were enjoyed under the name of "Vienne 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.

The L’Ermite vineyard is situated at the top of the Hermitage hill, around the chapel, in a place named the Ermite. The vines are 80 years old planted in granitic soils which are very poor.

The color of the wine is a very deep garnet red, almost black. On the nose are black fruits with spices and ink overtones. The tannins are at the same time powerful and velvety. Smoky and pepper overtones are wonderful expressions of Syrah from granitic soil. Depending on the vintage, the wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or from 50 to 75 years.

The 2018 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite is a Syrah from the Hermitage appellation in Northern Rhone, France. This red wine, produced by Chapoutier, carries an alcohol content of 14.5%. Its distinctive characteristics and exceptional quality have earned it high praise from several renowned wine critics.

Decanter awarded this vintage a score of 96, noting its "pure" quality with "lovely intensity of fruit and impact, remarkable tension and saline edge." The review highlights that while the wine may be leaner and lower in alcohol than previous vintages, it still retains the signature characteristics of L'Ermite. The wine was matured 100% in barriques, with 20% new oak, and has a yield of 31hl/ha, considered high for this parcel.

Jeb Dunnuck gave the 2018 Ermitage L'Ermite an impressive score of 98+. He described it as having a "pure, liquid rock-like mineral component" along with "crème de cassis, violets, acacia flowers, crushed stone, charcoal, and peppered game-like aromas and flavors." Dunnuck highlighted its tight, dense style and noted that it is "full-bodied, tight, concentrated, and structured." He predicts that this wine is "a magical Hermitage in the making" that will reach maturity in 10-15 years and has the potential to age for 30+ years.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this wine a perfect score of 100, emphasizing that it is "a standout among standouts." Reviewer JC noted "crushed stone, blueberries, even a touch of herb" on the nose, with a "full-bodied palate" that is "cool and crunchy but also ripe and generous." The review praises its "firm, granitic structure" which should allow it to age for over two decades.

Vinous rated this wine 97 points, describing it as "inky ruby" with "powerful, mineral-accented blueberry, kirsch, cassis and vanilla aromas." The palate is coated with "sweet, finely etched black and blue fruit preserve, spicecake, mocha, olive paste and violet pastille flavors," underscored by "smoky minerality." Josh Raynolds pointed out the wine’s "outstanding energy" and its impressive finish with "mounting tannins and gentle closing grip."

Wine Spectator also rated it 97, describing it as "really packed, with dark currant, blackberry and black cherry paste flavors" supported by "racy and well-embedded acidity" and hints of "mineral, tobacco and singed alder." The review suggests that the wine has the power to age well into the future, recommending it be enjoyed from 2035 through 2040.

Overall, the 2018 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite is a highly acclaimed Syrah with remarkable aging potential, complex flavors, and a firm structure, making it a standout choice for serious wine enthusiasts.