Terroir-obsessed Michel Chapoutier ‘has a global perspective that’s probably unmatched in the Rhône’ (Wine Advocate), and his biodynamic Sélections Parcellaires are made from the region’s finest old vines. Hermitage, also known as Ermitage, is the most famous Syrah-producing appellation and Chapoutier has mastered its hallowed soils, producing wines that represent the pinnacle of his range.
2023 was a phenomenal vintage. The Ermitage whites are 100% Marsanne and show ‘remarkable harmony and freshness’ (Vinous), with L’Ermite and Le Méal delivering ‘breathtaking beauty in the glass.’ The Syrahs are equally impressive, offering aromatic expression and richness without excess. They combine ‘immediate appeal with a structural depth that suggests genuine aging potential’ (Wine Advocate).
Chapoutier’s L’Ermite Blanc and Rouge are mind-blowing wines from the top of the Hermitage Hill. Grown on shallow, granitic soils, they’re known for their intensity, complexity and power balanced by super-fine texture, acidity and underlying salinity.
Le Méal Blanc shows the most exotic fruit, with a flinty character and great length, while the De l’Orée Blanc has a captivating waxy texture and layers of flavour. Dark and densely packed with fruit, florals and spice, Le Pavillon is linear with finely grained tannins and will reward a decade and more of cellaring. The white pebbles of Les Greffieux make for a slightly more accessible wine, without sacrificing any quality.
These rare Sélections Parcellaires are so sought-after that we only receive a tiny allocation each year. For our full selection of Chapoutier’s single-vineyards, please contact jack@briceandburnett.co.za
Tasting Notes:
Chapoutier Ermitage L’Ermite Blanc 2023
‘This has the classic Ermite aromatic markers of flint, spice, smoke and salt. Very full-bodied, there’s ample flesh here, all wound around an intense, granitic, mineral core, ending with salt and smoke. Huge power, drive, minerality and tension. The vineyards face east around the chapel, the only white vines on the granitic part of Hermitage, apart from Dard & Ribo’s.’ – Matt Walls, Decanter, 99/100
Chapoutier Ermitage Le Méal Blanc 2023
‘A little closed at the time of tasting, showing pear, honeysuckle and apricot fruit. Full-bodied, very powerful and rich, with intense salinity and moderate but refreshing acidity. Great power, this has that firm, serious, bold demeanour of Le Méal, and serious length. A great white Hermitage that will age superbly.’ – Matt Walls, Decanter, 97/100
Chapoutier Ermitage De L’Orée Blanc 2023
‘The 2023 has that characteristic De l’Orée richness, but it’s not as massive or as opulent as some recent vintages, and feels all the more drinkable for it. Very long, with a straighter, more mineral expression than a typical, recent hot year and perfectly judged oak work, it’s a De l’Orée to drink young. Very elegant and fresh, will likely take on weight with some bottle age, as was only bottled a few weeks before tasting.’ – Matt Walls, Decanter, 96/100
Chapoutier Ermitage L’Ermite Rouge 2023
‘Crafted from vines planted around Jaboulet’s La Chapelle at the top of the hill on granite soils, the 2023 Ermitage l’Ermite was vinified with 15% whole clusters and matured entirely in barrels, 15% of which are new. Elegant, harmonious and expressive, it unfurls from the glass with aromas of spring flowers, violet, lilac, dark cherries, dark wild berries and mulberries. Full-bodied, dense and deep, it’s resonant and precise, built around a layered core of fruit and concluding with a long, saline and ethereal finish. Suave and pure, it reflects a more contemporary expression of Hermitage and the evolving approach at Chapoutier. It’s a wine readers should consider for the cellar.’ – Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate, 98+/100
Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon Rouge 2023
‘Sourced from the eastern part of Les Bessards, vinified with 15% whole clusters and matured two-thirds in barrels, of which 15% are new, with one-third in foudres, the 2023 Ermitage Le Pavillon wafts from the glass with aromas of violet, lilac, dark cherries, flowers and mulberries. Full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s built around a deep core of fruit framed by velvety, precise tannins, segueing into a long, saline and perfumed finish. Suave and harmonious, it should gain further exuberance with time in bottle. It’s a profound young wine.’ – Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate, 98/100
Chapoutier Ermitage Les Greffieux 2023
‘The 2023 Ermitage Les Greffieux opens with pencil shavings, black cherry and black plum, with shy, spicy notes adding a touch of complexity. Full-bodied and gently supported by ripe tannins, it shows a hint of austerity at this stage, suggesting it has yet to reveal its full potential. Even so, it resolves with solid length on a composed finish.’ – Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, 93+/100
