M. Chapoutier, Ermitage L'Ermite Rouge 2013

robert_parker98

Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck

The 2013 Ermitage l’Ermite is another wine that’s a candidate for the wine of the vintage, if not the best wine produced in all of France in 2013. As normal, it has an insane level of minerality, and frankly, I know of no better description of “liquid rock” than the mineral-like sensation induced by tasting this cuvee. Graphite, charcoal, licorice and sweet crème de cassis also all emerge from the glass. This gorgeous 2013 has full-bodied richness, terrific purity, ripe tannin structure and serious intensity. Give it 4-5 years and drink bottles over the following 2-3 decades.

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck

More backwards, tight and structured than either the Méal or the Pavillon, the 2013 Ermitage l’Ermite was similarly completely destemmed and raised in a scant 30% new French oak. Inky purple/blue colored, it reluctantly yields incredibly mineral-laced notes of charcoal, liquid rock, cassis, black currants and graphite. While it’s less approachable than either of the two other Hermitages, it has fabulous density and depth, ripe tannin and incredible persistence on the finish. Hide these in the cellar for a decade, and enjoy over the following three to four decades.

vinous95

Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds

Bright purple. An impressively complex, expressive nose displays intense aromas of fresh dark berries, cherry cola, incense, allspice and smoky minerals. Spicy, deeply concentrated black and blue fruit flavors show superb focus and energy, and a suave floral pastille quality emerges as the wine opens up. Shows a compelling blend of richness and vivacity, finishing with superb lift, harmonious tannins and outstanding persistence.

vinous95

Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds

Youthful purple. Powerful, deeply pitched cherry pit and blackcurrant aromas open up slowly to reveal complicating suggestions of black cardamom, licorice and black pepper. Sweet and expansive on the palate, with densely packed dark berry liqueur and cola flavors and a touch of smoky minerality adding vibrancy. At once rich and lively, finishing with serious punch and chewy, slow-building tannins. I suspect that this will be a worthy cellar candidate.

james_suckling98

Reviewed by: James Suckling

A strikingly complex nose of berries, black pepper, smoke, grilled meat, dried herbs, spices and lard. Give it time to unfurl in your glass. Full body with fine tannins and bright acidity. The mineral backbone at the center shows clarity and vibrancy but turns vertical with its firm and massively mineral tannins. So much spice and freshness here for a decade-old wine. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Delicious but will continue to age beautifully for the next decade.