Ermitage Le Pavillon, Maison M. Chapoutier 2004

All of the single vineyard Ermitages turned out as good as I had hoped, possibly even better. In short they are among the strongest wines one could hope for in this vintage. The 2004 Ermitage Le Meal boasts rich creme de cassis fruit, medium to full body, loads of licorice, moderate tannin, and good acidity. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15-16 years

Shows a supertight focus, with black currant, plum and blackberry fruit harnessed by supple tannins, dark cocoa and a buried minerality. The long finish really fleshes out nicely in the glass. Best from 2008 through 2017. 555 cases made.