Chapoutier   Ermitage lErmite

2014 Ermitage l'Ermite

By Chapoutier

2014 Ermitage l'Ermite from Chapoutier, Rhone

One might dare to suggest that the 2014 vintage of Ermitage l'Ermite from acclaimed producer Chapoutier is a defining moment in the landscape of wine investment. To comprehend its allure, one must respect the arduous yet rewarding journey it undertook in the storied soils of Rhone.

 

The beauty in the bottle

The structural composition of this wine, along with its lucid marriage of minerality and graceful power, is a testament to the deliberate and skilled winemaking process Chapoutier is famed for. The sturdy Syrah grape lends itself beautifully to the intricate weaving of subtle blackberry and cherry aromas, while the earth-forward palate with a spicy undertone speaks to the uniqueness of this particular vintage.

 

A good year beckons

The 2014 season saw near-perfect climatic conditions in Rhone, which contributed significantly to the delineated intensity of this wine. A steady balance of heat and rainfall led to an optimum ripening scenario with berries achieving a balanced sugar-acid equation that culminated in an expressive and varietally rich yield.

 

A vintage to remember

Unwaveringly exuding restrained opulence from within the confines of its dense ruby exterior, it's clear that the 2014 Ermitage l'Ermite offers a fine example of how Chapoutier manages to turn natural beauty into liquid art. It marries together sun-kissed warmth and nuanced character development that positions this particular bottling as one that is exceedingly attractive to investors.

From first sniff through to the lingering aftertaste, your encounter with the 2014 Ermitage l'Ermite will indeed be an event. A paragon of artistic winemaking, it doubtlessly deserves appreciation and investment from astute collectors or those willing to gainfully explore the enticing world of fine wines. The 2014 Ermitage l'Ermite from Chapoutier is proof that truly great wines bear their birth-year etched into every sip.

Current market price

£1,720.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

101.18

Scores and tasting notes

97

The inky black/purple-colored 2014 Ermitage l’Ermite is more firm, backward and mineral driven than the sexier Pavillon, offering fabulous notes of scorched earth, wood smoke, crushed violets, and both blackcurrant and crème de cassis. An utterly profound effort, it defines the more charming nature of the vintage, displaying building tannin and one seriously long finish. Forget bottles for 5-7 years and enjoy over the following two decades.

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 30 December 2016

Vintage performance