M. Chapoutier : Le Pavillon 2024

Characteristics and tasting advice for Le Pavillon 2024 by M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Appearance
Deep in color, almost black, the wine displays aubergine highlights.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet reveals pure black fruit, marked by blueberry and boysenberry. It develops into savory notes of tapenade and dark chocolate, complemented by spicy hints of menthol and smoke.

Palate
The palate offers a silky texture and great finesse. The well-present tannins provide structure without aggressiveness. A fine acidity supports the tasting, bringing harmonious balance and a fresh finish.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine pairs ideally with roasted, braised, or grilled meats such as lamb, beef, duck, or game. It also complements mushroom-based dishes, firm-fleshed fish such as tuna, as well as dishes with Asian influences.

Serving and cellaring

For optimal tasting, it is recommended to serve Le Pavillon 2024 at 15.5°C (60°F). This wine can be cellared and will be best enjoyed from 2027, with aging potential extending into the 2040s. Decanting for two to three hours is recommended for older vintages.

The mineral and structured expression of an Ermitage red wine signed M. Chapoutier

The estate

Founded in 1808 in the Rhône Valley, Maison M. Chapoutier is an iconic figure in French winemaking. Under the leadership of Michel Chapoutier, the estate became a pioneer of biodynamic farming as early as the 1990s and popularized the concept of single-parcel selections. Today, the estate is run by the next generation, Mathilde and Maxime Chapoutier, who continue this philosophy focused on respect for the terroir. The estate spans numerous appellations, with a historic and major presence on the Hermitage hill.

The vineyard

This cuvée comes from a plot of around four hectares located in the lieu-dit Les Bessards, within the Ermitage appellation. The vines, averaging 65 years of age and some reaching a century, grow on a granitic subsoil covered with sediment. The vineyard is managed according to biodynamic principles, Demeter certified, with deliberately limited yields of 15 hectoliters per hectare. Due to the steep topography, all vineyard work and harvesting are carried out manually.

The vintage

The year 2024 was marked by demanding weather conditions. After a mild February that led to early budburst and frost risks, the season shifted from May onward to a cold and particularly rainy climate. This high humidity fostered constant pressure from mildew, coulure, and botrytis. These climatic challenges significantly reduced yields, resulting in berries with fine acidity and moderate alcohol levels.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Le Pavillon 2024 are fully destemmed before undergoing a four- to six-week maceration in open concrete vats, with manual punch-downs. The wine is then aged for 18 to 20 months in French oak barrels, around 30% of which are new. The wine is naturally clarified, without any fining or filtration.

Grape variety

Le Pavillon 2024 by M. Chapoutier is made from 100% Syrah.