Ermitage Le Pavillon, Maison M. Chapoutier 2022

The 2022 Ermitage Le Pavillon is brilliant, and this will be one for the ages. Incredible aromatics of cassis, graphite, liquid rock-like minerality, and burning embers all emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mid-palate, and enough tannins to warrant 7-8 years of bottle age. While not a massive, blockbuster example of this cuvée, its purity, finesse, and elegance are something. This cuvée saw 15% stems and will spend 18 months in just 15% new barrels.