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 remarkable red wine that hails from the prestigious Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France. Crafted by renowned producer Chapoutier, this wine showcases the epitome of Syrah expression in the Rhone Valley.

In the glass, the wine exhibits a deep, inky ruby color that immediately captivates the eye. Aromatically, it is incredibly intense and pure, with a lovely intensity of fruit that is accompanied by a remarkable tension and saline edge. The nose reveals enticing notes of blueberries, blackberries, kirsch, cassis, and vanilla, all intermingled with hints of succulent flowers, allspice, smoky bacon, and incense. This complex bouquet is a testament to the wine's depth and character.

On the palate, the 2018 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite continues to impress. It is full-bodied, tight, and concentrated, with a cool and crunchy profile that is balanced by ripe and generous fruit flavors. The black and blue fruit preserve, spicecake, mocha, and olive paste flavors are finely etched and impeccably integrated, creating a harmonious and seamless taste experience. The wine is underpinned by a firm, granitic structure that promises excellent aging potential.

Leading wine critics have also recognized the exceptional quality of this wine. Decanter awarded it a score of 96, praising its signature Ermite skeleton and remarkable drive. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 98+ points, commending its pure liquid rock-like mineral component and tight, dense style. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a perfect score of 100, highlighting its crushed stone and blueberry aromas, cool and crunchy palate, and rich, long finish. Vinous awarded it 97 points, noting its powerful and mineral-accented aromas, sweet and finely etched fruit flavors, and impressive length. Wine Spectator also awarded it 97 points, praising its packed dark fruit flavors, racy acidity, and iron note.

Overall, the 2018 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite is a truly exceptional wine that exemplifies the greatness of Hermitage. With its depth, complexity, and aging potential, it is a wine that will continue to evolve and delight for decades to come.