Hermitage Ermitage l'Ermite Chapoutier 1996

Lot presentation

Hermitage Ermitage l'Ermite Chapoutier 1996

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.

About the Producer Chapoutier

Maison Chapoutier is without doubt one of the most prestigious names in the Rhône producing some of the finest Hermitage. The domain converted its 350 hectares of vines to biodynamic viticulture, making it the largest vineyard to adopt this method of cultivation. It has held certification since 1999. The Chapoutier savoir faire has spread to other vineyards in other winemaking regions: Provence, Beaujolais, Roussillon, Champagne, Alsace, Portugal but also Australia. In 1879, 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. Since 1996, all the labels have been transcribed in braille. Chapoutier is often one of the last to harvest to ensure that grapes reach optimal maturity.

Detailed characteristics