Ermitage l'Ermite, Maison M. Chapoutier 2019

Marked by sensationally deep notes of crushed stone, cassis and blueberry, the 2019 Ermitage l'Ermite is a tremendous effort and a worthy rival to the wines produced in the past four vintages. Full-bodied, it's rich and restrained, expansive yet structured—just a complete wine from mouthwatering aromas to velvety mouthfeel and long, stony finish. While delicious now, I'd expect it to close up shortly, yet still be going strong two decades from now. Wow!

Incredibly dense elderberry fruit with raw-meat, smoked-bacon, balsamic-vinegar, mushroom and tar aromas. But there are plenty of other nuances in this astonishing Hermitage! Gigantic fine tannins support the wide-screen palate that’s packed to the brim with richness, yet remains so bright and clean. Stunning stony minerality at the almost endless finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.

Pure cassis, violets, blackberries, burning embers, and an insane amount of minerality define the 2019 Ermitage L’Ermite, a full-bodied, powerful, backward, primordial Hermitage. As usual, it’s more inward and reserved compared to the Pavillon, yet it’s a huge wine that has masses of tannins, incredible purity, fine tannins, and a great, great finish.

Coming from vines just above the Le Méal and around the Chapel, the 2019 Ermitage L’Ermite is 100% Syrah that was brought up in just 20% new French oak. It's a massive wine by any measure and reveals a dense ruby/blue hue as well as incredible smoked meats, cassis, graphite, white flowers, and a liquid rock-like minerality. These all carry to a full-bodied, pedal-to-the-metal Hermitage that has building tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and incredible length, all while staying light on its feet and flawlessly balanced. It shares some similarities to the 2018 yet might be even more concentrated.