M. Chapoutier : L'Ermite 2024

Tasting notes and serving recommendations for L'Ermite 2024 by M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays an extremely dark, opaque purple hue, verging on absolute black, reflecting exceptional concentration.

Nose

Complex and layered, the bouquet reveals intense aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, closely interwoven with spicy notes of black pepper. Subtle mineral hints reminiscent of gunpowder and India ink intertwine with delicate nuances of licorice and dried garrigue herbs.

Palate

On the palate, this wine unfolds a rich, full-bodied, and extraordinarily concentrated texture. The tannic structure is both powerful and silky, perfectly balanced by a lively acidity that brings great freshness. A deep minerality carries through to a remarkably long finish, lingering for many seconds on notes of black fruits, chalk, and white pepper.

Food and wine pairings

This great red wine pairs wonderfully with richly flavored red meats, feathered or furred game (partridge, wild boar, venison), as well as cuts of beef served with complex, reduced sauces. It also enhances lamb, delicately spiced Asian dishes with star anise or cardamom, and aged cheeses with a crystalline texture.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate this vintage, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of around 59.9°F. Light aeration by decanting for 30 to 60 minutes is advised in its youth to soften the tannins. With remarkable aging potential, this wine requires 5 to 10 years of cellaring before fully opening up and can continue to evolve and be enjoyed until around 2084 under optimal storage conditions.

The power and mineral purity of a great Ermitage red wine

The estate

Founded in 1808 in Tain-l'Hermitage, the Maison M. Chapoutier is an iconic institution of the Rhône Valley. Led since 1990 by the visionary Michel Chapoutier, now supported by his children Mathilde and Maxime, the estate spans 483 hectares. A pioneer of biodynamics as early as 1991 and creator of single-parcel selections, the estate stands out for its absolute pursuit of authentic terroir expression. Another distinctive feature is its commitment to inclusion, being the first in the world to include Braille on all its labels since 1995.

The vineyard

Located at the summit of the legendary Hermitage hill, the lieu-dit "L'Ermite" surrounds the Saint-Christophe chapel. This unique terroir, east-facing and bathed in afternoon sunshine, rests on very poor soils composed of decomposed white granite and loess. The vines, with a venerable age of 80 to 120 years, are cultivated according to strict biodynamic principles. Harvesting is carried out manually, in several passes, to ensure berries reach perfect physiological ripeness.

The vintage

The year 2024 was marked by particularly demanding weather conditions. After a very rainy winter that replenished water reserves, unusually mild spring temperatures triggered early budbreak, exposing the vines to April frosts. The summer proved hot and dry until a welcome storm in mid-August. Finally, an unusually cool September led to slow berry ripening, resulting in exceptionally low yields.

Winemaking and aging

For this cuvée, maceration periods are limited to around three weeks and fermentation temperatures are reduced to preserve aromatic freshness and the delicacy of the tannins. This Ermitage wine is first aged in concrete tanks, then continues maturing for 18 to 20 months in new and one-year-old French oak barrels.

Grape variety

L'Ermite 2024 by M. Chapoutier is made from 100% Syrah.