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.

Introducing the 2019 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite, a remarkable Syrah from the Northern Rhone region of France. This elegant red wine exudes sophistication and complexity, earning it a place among the finest expressions of Hermitage.

With a deep, rich red color that hints at the intensity within, the 2019 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite captivates the senses from the moment it is poured. The nose is a symphony of aromas, with pure cassis, violets, blackberries, and burning embers mingling with an insane amount of minerality. Each inhalation reveals new layers of intricacy, inviting you to explore further.

On the palate, this full-bodied wine showcases its power and finesse in equal measure. It is a wine that demands attention, with masses of tannins that grip the mouth and fine tannins that add structure and balance. The purity of the fruit shines through, with flavors of blackberries and cherries giving way to hints of vanilla and espresso. The finish is great, great indeed, lingering on the palate long after the last sip.

Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck awards this wine an impressive 98+ points, praising its inward and reserved nature compared to its sibling, the Pavillon. He notes the incredible purity, fine tannins, and the wine's overall greatness. Decanter, another esteemed publication, bestows a score of 99, describing the wine as having an incredible, soaring power with textural finesse and freshness. They predict a long life for this majestic wine.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gives the 2019 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite a perfect score of 100, calling it a complete wine from start to finish. They highlight its deep notes of crushed stone, cassis, and blueberry, as well as its mouthwatering aromas and velvety mouthfeel. James Suckling also awards a perfect score of 100, praising the wine's density, its wide array of aromas, and the stunning stony minerality that lingers on the finish.

Wine Spectator and Vinous both join the chorus of acclaim, with scores of 98 and 98 respectively. Wine Spectator describes the wine as powerful yet refined, with a long minerally spine and a pinpoint finish. Vinous notes the wine's complex array of dark fruit, floral, and savory herb qualities, as well as its superb detail and mineral thrust on the finish.

In conclusion, the 2019 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite is a wine of exceptional quality and character. Its depth, power, and finesse make it a true standout among the finest wines of the Rhone region. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is sure to leave a lasting impression.