Hermitage Ermitage l'Ermite Chapoutier 2003

Lot presentation

Hermitage Ermitage l'Ermite Chapoutier 2003

The wine

The Ermite plot is located at the top of the legendary Hermitage hill, in the l'Ermite locality. These are 80-year-old vines on very poor granite soils, harvested very late to obtain the best natural content possible. After running off, the wine is placed in new or one-year old oak barrels, in which it can remain for up to 20 months with no fining or filtering. Garnet in colour, in fact almost black, this full-bodied and fleshy wine develops an incredible wealth of aromas: the nose is dominated by black fruit and spices. With very powerful, tight and velvety tannins, and smoky and peppery notes, this wine has a great ageing capacity; the best vintages will improve in finesse and harmony over time.

Maison Chapoutier is without doubt one of the most prestigious names in the Rhône producing some of the finest Hermitage. The domain converted its 300 hectares of vines to biodynamic viticulture, making it the largest vineyard to adopt this method of cultivation. It has held certification since 1999. Chapoutier is often one of the last estates to harvest its grapes so that they are at optimal ripeness.The Chapoutier savoir faire has spread to other vineyards in other winemaking regions: Provence, Beaujolais, Roussillon, Champagne, Alsace, Portugal but also South Australia.
This family's winemaking journey started way back in 1806 but 1879 was a turning point when Polydor Chapoutier bought a few hectares of vines and started a negociant business. Seven generations have succeeded him, and Michel Chapoutier is currently at the helm, supported by his children Mathilde and Maxime. Together, they continue the family's story, all while highlighting Rhône's great terroirs.