2008 Ermitage, Le Pavillon, Michel Chapoutier
About Producer
The modern history of Maison Chapoutier started in 1989 with the creation of the first 'Sélections Parcellaires' by Michel Chapoutier. In 1990, Michel began biodynamic viticulture to eventually convert all his vineyards in 1995. Since 1996, all Maison Chapoutier’s wine labels are in Braille as a tribute to Maurice Monier de la Sizeranne, inventor of the first abridged form of Braille, whose family estate was bought by Marius Chapoutier in 1928.
Varietals
Syrah
About Appellation
According to legend, Queen Blanche de Castille granted permission to Knight Gaspard de Sterimberg to settle in the hills overlooking the hamlet of Tain in 1224 when he returned home badly wounded from the Cathar Crusade. He isolated himself as a hermit and started to plant vines there, hence the name of Hermitage for the hill. First mentions of the hill and its vineyard parcels with their current names were in 1389. Though history blurs the line between myth and reality, the quality of Hermitage terroirs is unquestionable.
Tasting Notes
Alluring nose of dark fruits, woodsmoke, tar, leather and earthy notes, luscious mouthfeel with velvety texture, remarkable density and excellent depth, rich flavours of raspberry, blackberry, cherry, tobacco, liquorice and pepper intermixed with mouth-coating mineral undertones, fresh acidity and resolved tannins carrying through a long, spicy finish. Made from 90-100 year-old syrah from a 4ha parcel, on silt and scree soil over granitic subsoil, on south and southeast-facing steep hillsides, mid-slope of Les Bessards, this is a splendid wine with understated elegance, impressive focus and captivating complexity. Having shed the grippy tautness of its youth, it’s a superb example of composed splendour and confident drive, a gorgeous rendition of Les Bessards terroir indeed. (10/2021)