Ermitage Rouge ‘L’Ermite’,  Hermitage, Northern Rhone, France, M Chapoutier 2014 

3ha, 100% Syrah

The plot is situated at the top of the Hermitage Hill, around the chapel. The elevated position of the vineyard, over 200 metres, allows long ripening at the end of the growing season. The soil of loess provides excellent drainage for rainwater. Vines are over 80 years old and are planted on poor granitic soils. L’Ermite traditionally produces the most elegant and aromatic Ermitage. It has powerful tannins, smoky notes and black pepper. 

"The inky black/purple-colored 2014 Ermitage l’Ermite is more firm, backward and mineral driven than the sexier Pavillon, offering fabulous notes of scorched earth, wood smoke, crushed violets, and both blackcurrant and crème de cassis. An utterly profound effort, it defines the more charming nature of the vintage, displaying building tannin and one seriously long finish. Forget bottles for 5-7 years and enjoy over the following two decades." Jeb Dunnuck 97/100 robertparker.com