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 2020 Chapoutier Ermitage les Greffieux is a captivating red wine that hails from the esteemed Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France. Crafted by the renowned producer Chapoutier, this wine showcases the exceptional quality of Syrah grapes grown in this terroir.

In the glass, the Ermitage les Greffieux displays a deep, ruby red color, inviting wine enthusiasts to indulge in its sensory delights. The nose is immediately greeted by an attractive fruity perfume, with ripe blackberries taking center stage. There is an inner sweetness to the fruit, enhanced by the elevated alcohol content that adds a touch of richness and complexity.

On the palate, this wine exhibits a generous roundness and a juicy, accessible style that is characteristic of Hermitage wines. The tannins are beautifully ripe, contributing to the wine's overall structure and balance. While it offers immediate pleasure, some critics note that it may lack the potential for great future complexity. Nevertheless, the Ermitage les Greffieux is undeniably a wine that delivers immense pleasure.

Acclaimed wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an impressive score of 97 points. He describes it as silky, fine, and elegant, with notes of crushed stone, fresh mint, violets, and purple raspberries on the nose. The finish is long and harmonious, adorned with an ample dusting of ripe tannins.

Jeb Dunnuck also praises this wine, awarding it a score of 98 points. He notes the emergence of game, bacon fat, truffly earth, and both red and black fruits on the nose. With its sweet, velvety tannins, huge mid-palate, and gorgeous finish, Dunnuck considers it one of the finest vintages of this cuvée he has tasted.

Vinous awards this wine a score of 98 points as well, praising its array of fresh red and dark fruit, floral and spice qualities on the nose. The palate is vibrant and silky, with profoundly concentrated flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, cherry, and violet pastille. The finish is youthfully tannic, with a strong repetition of floral and red fruit notes.

James Suckling, another renowned wine critic, rates this wine with 96 points. He describes it as sensual and ripe on the palate, with a beautifully balanced richness and a lightness of touch. The finish is long and velvety, and the wine exhibits wonderful black fruit aromas with delicate smoky and peppery nuances.

Overall, the 2020 Chapoutier Ermitage les Greffieux is a wine of exceptional quality and finesse. It embodies the essence of the Hermitage appellation, showcasing the unique characteristics of the Syrah grape and the terroir. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for several years, this wine promises a remarkable drinking experience.