Chapoutier   Ermitage lErmite

2007 Ermitage l'Ermite

By Chapoutier

2007 Ermitage l'Ermite from Chapoutier, Rhone

The captivation ensues with the 2007 Ermitage l'Ermite by Chapoutier. Set in the heartland of Rhone, the Ermitage l'Ermite uniquely mirrors the myriad of idiosyncrasies particular to the illustrious 2007 vintage, widely regarded as one of the standout years in recent memory.

 

A Bouquet Woven with Virtuoso Skill

From a producer whose name reverberates through Rhone like a fine melody, this rich Ermitage offers a fascinating bouquet intertwined with elegance. The 2007 vintage exhibits an expressive nose of blackberries and pepper that carries forward the tradition of opulence synonymous with Chapoutier's winemaking heritage.

In a period of climatic perfection, this harmonious melody of tertiary aromas bestows a decadently dense palate not found in previous vintages - thus providing a confident march towards strong investment returns.

 

The Consummate Artist's Canvas: 2007 Vintage

The canvas upon which this 2007 vintage was artfully grown reverberates within every sip. A warm and stable climate created conditions conducive to early ripening, allowing for greater intensity and impeccable precision in the Syrah grape variety prominent in this Rhone masterpiece.

One can truly appreciate the balance struck between structure and delicacy, peppered by tannins presenting both full-bodied power and elegant subtlety. The vintage proves exquisitely breathtaking without being outspoken - an example of refined excellence at its prime.

Integrating Prestige and Investment Potential

The 2007 Ermitage l'Ermite from Chapoutier showcases a fine testament of an investable wine which integrates both prestige and remarkable investment prospects. Evoking an image of the 2007 vintage perfectly anchored in time, this wine embodies the very spirit of Rhone, embodying not only flavour, but finesse and, above all, a decade of maturation that promises to reward the discerning investor.

A true blue-chip collectible for the portfolio, this elaborate dance between fruit fidelity and oak-influenced wisdom beautifully encapsulates the grace brought forth by the distinguished 2007 vintage, ultimately securing its worthiness as a stronghold in any wine investment portfolio.

Current market price

£1,890.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

145.38

Scores and tasting notes

92-94

A more near-term candidate for consumption is the 2007 Ermitage l’Ermite. It is a more austere, slightly less concentrated effort possessing notes of powdered rock as well as red and black fruits, full-bodied power, and a long finish. It is not among the pantheon of the most compelling Ermitage l’Ermites made by Michel Chapoutier, but it is certainly an outstanding one. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035.. (Not yet released) While Michel Chapoutier produces some of the world’s greatest wines from single parcels of old vines spread throughout the northern and southern Rhone (see my ecstatic reviews of his 2007 and 2006 Chateauneuf du Papes in issue #179), he also has an impressive portfolio of value-priced wines that are often over-looked when this impressive producer is discussed. Following are some top-notch picks that all sell for exceptionally fair prices. Chapoutier has not achieved as great as success in Cornas as he has in the other northern Rhone appellations, although his Cornas wines get better with each vintage. There are four extraordinary single vineyard white wines, all of which are among the greatest dry white wines of the world. While all of them can be drunk young, they are meant for extended cellaring. Made from very small yields, they represent the essence of a varietal as well as a vineyard site. As the following notes demonstrate, 2006 was one of the greatest vintages for white wines at Chapoutier. The single vineyard selection parcellaire red wines range in production from 500 to nearly 1,000 cases. 2007 is a very good vintage for these selections, but 2006 has an edge. It is reminiscent of 1996 because of the wines’ freshness and acid levels, but Chapoutier’s 2006s are even more concentrated than his 1996s. Chapoutier’s four 2006 cuvees of single vineyard Hermitage are exquisite. Most of the yields were between 10 and 20 hectoliters per hectare, and the wines are extravagantly rich. The 2006 and 2007 luxury cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape Croix des Bois and Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac were reviewed in issue #179. They are all astounding wines, especially in 2007 Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 April 2009

Vintage performance