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 2019 Chapoutier Ermitage les Greffieux is a remarkable red wine hailing from the prestigious Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France. This wine, made exclusively from the Syrah grape variety, showcases the exceptional quality and character that this renowned terroir is known for.

In the glass, the wine displays a deep, inky ruby color that is both inviting and alluring. The nose is immediately captivated by a distinct smoky vein that runs through the wine, adding complexity and intrigue. As one delves deeper into the aroma profile, powerful scents of very ripe dark berries, cassis, violets, crème de cassis, and red raspberries emerge, creating an olfactory experience of great intensity.

On the palate, the 2019 Chapoutier Ermitage les Greffieux is a force to be reckoned with. It is a wine of immense power and concentration, yet it manages to maintain a remarkable level of freshness and balance. The alcohol, though slightly raised, is seamlessly integrated, adding to the wine's overall complexity. The rich, opulent texture coats the palate, enveloping it with flavors of dark berries, pepper, bouquet garni, leather, and woodsmoke. The tannins are ripe and massy, yet they possess a supple quality that adds to the wine's overall elegance.

This wine has received high praise from esteemed wine critics. With a score of 96 points, Decanter describes it as "muscular but juicy with great freshness and power." Jeb Dunnuck awarded it an impressive 97 points, commending its depth and richness on the palate, while Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also bestowed it with 96 points, highlighting its tremendous balance and elegance.

The 2019 Chapoutier Ermitage les Greffieux is a wine that demands attention and commands respect. It is a wine that will continue to evolve and develop over the next two to three decades, rewarding those who have the patience to wait. This is a truly exceptional wine that showcases the best of the Northern Rhone region and the mastery of winemaking by Chapoutier.