2012 Ermitage l'Ermite
By Chapoutier
2012 Ermitage l'Ermite from Chapoutier, Rhone
The Chapoutier house has always been known for its exquisite wines, with the 2012 Ermitage l'Ermite being no exception. A single sip of this vintage sparks a journey spanning decades, unravelling the veritable tapestry of Rhone's rich terroir and climatic accents.
Savoring the Time Capsule
This glorious vintage pays homage to Chapoutier’s meticulous craftsmanship and Rhone’s flourishing terroir. An investment in the 2012 Ermitage l'Ermite promises not only a financial return but an experiential reward, with each swirl and sip of the ruby liquid unveiling yet another layer of complexity.
From dense blackberry nuances to ripples of spicy clove and hints of smoky minerality, all discernible attributes of Syrah, this vintage parades Rhone's symphony of flavors unlike any other wine can.
Heralding from an Exceptional Year
No two vintages are ever alike, each spring forged by nature’s whim interspersed with man's artful hand. In 2012, the Rhone Valley was graced with benevolent weather conditions leading to an exceptional harvest.
Precipitation played coy in spring, just enough to awaken the dozing grapevines soon transforming into a temperate summer perfectly suited for slow maturation. Syrah grapes, plump as they were in 2012, imparted an intense depth to the Ermitage l'Ermite only a few vintages can rival.
The measure of minerality laced throughout this full-bodied wine hints at the granite-rich soils it was borne from. Layers intertwine seamlessly, forming an elegant tapestry of fruit, spice, and earth.
As the 2012 Ermitage l'Ermite from Chapoutier unfurls over the palate, notes of licorice, crushed stone, and graphite build towards a long and persistent finish, etching a memorable impression for its connoisseurs. A fine emblem of Rhone’s prowess in winemaking, this vintage has certainly earned its reputation as one of the most sought-after investments in the world of fine wines.
Market price (GBP)
£2,520.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
126
Scores and tasting notes
Another wine that topped out on my scale, the 523-case 2012 Ermitage l'Ermite is as profound an Hermitage as you can find. Coming from the granite soils located around the Chapel on the top of Hermitage hill, it's always the most tight, backward and structured of the releases, even more so than the Pavillon, which always seems to have another layer of sweet fruit to me. The 2012 is deeper and richer than the 2011, yet as with most 2012s, it more approachable and forward than the 2010 (and 2009 in this case). Exhibiting awesome notes of powdered rock, creme de cassis, liquid violets and lite gunpowder, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, awesome mid-palate depth and building, ultra-fine tannin that frame the finish. It's an incredible wine that will won't start to become approachable until a decade after the vintage, and then will keep for three decades.
Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 29 December 2014