The 2019 Chapoutier Ermitage le Pavillon, a Syrah from the Hermitage appellation in Northern Rhone, France, has garnered exceptional praise from critics, solidifying its status as a standout vintage. Produced by Chapoutier, this red wine is notable for its full-bodied, concentrated character and its aging potential, with an alcohol content of 14.5%.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine a perfect score of 100, calling it "the star of the show" and "pure Hermitage magic." Dunnuck highlights the wine's origins from the Bessards lieu-dit, its vinification in concrete tanks, and maturation in 15% new French oak. He describes it as an "Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove," with an opulent yet precise profile featuring blue and black fruits, powdered stone, violets, scorched earth, and subtle smoke. He suggests that the wine will benefit from at least 7-8 years of aging and could last up to 50 years (jebdunnuck.com, 2/16/2022).
Decanter also praised the 2019 Ermitage le Pavillon, giving it a score of 98. The review mentions its "silky, flowing, thoroughbred style" and "incredible tannic finesse." While the alcohol is perceptible, the concentration and tannic structure bring balance, making it a "velvety opulent treat" once it matures (Decanter, 10/5/2020).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate echoed these sentiments with a 98+ score. Joe Czerwinski described it as "massively concentrated and tannic," with initial scents of crushed stone and cassis. He noted its cold and reserved nature, with hints of its future potential visible on the long, licorice-tinged finish. Michel Chapoutier referred to it as "a tea of granite," aptly capturing its essence (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 1/21/2022).
James Suckling gave the wine a 98, remarking on its "very deep black-fruit and bitter-chocolate aromas" and "mineral freshness." He noted the "enormous, fine tannins" and predicted that with a few years of aging, it would "blow your mind" (jamessuckling.com, 2/9/2022).
Wine Spectator and Vinous both rated the wine 97. Wine Spectator highlighted its "racy and vibrant" nature with "vigorous mulberry, loganberry and plum compote notes" and a long finish marked by alder and smoke (Wine Spectator, 7/6/2022). Vinous praised its "expansive, highly complex bouquet" and flavors of "cassis, kirsch, bitter chocolate, and violet pastille," noting its gripping tannins and extremely long finish (Vinous, 12/22/2022).
Overall, the 2019 Chapoutier Ermitage le Pavillon is a highly acclaimed Syrah, praised for its complexity, concentration, and aging potential.
