Summary

The Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite 2012 is a distinguished red wine made from 100% Syrah, sourced from the granite slopes of Hermitage hill. This wine is crafted from old vines under biodynamic practices, resulting in low yields and exceptional quality. The vinification occurs in concrete, with 18 months of aging in oak barrels. Tasting notes highlight profound flavors of cassis, blackcurrant, and plum, complemented by floral and mineral nuances. The wine is dense and full-bodied, showcasing a rich texture and firm, fine tannins. With its powerful structure and complexity, this wine promises great aging potential, enhancing its appeal as a collectible vintage.

Tasting Notes

WS97

This blazes along, with a riveting iron note running from start to finish, keeping the red currant, damson plum, blackberry and boysenberry fruit racy and defined. Shows terrific cut through the finish, revealing extra tar and ganache hints for textural…

WA100

Another wine that topped out on my scale, the 523-case 2012 Ermitage l`Ermite is as profound an Hermitage as you can find. Coming from the granite soils located around the Chapel on the top of Hermitage hill, it`s always the most tight, backward and structured of the releases, even more so than the Pavillon, which always seems to have another layer of sweet fruit to me. The 2012 is deeper and richer than the 2011, yet as with most 2012s, it more approachable and forward than the 2010 (and 2009 in this case). Exhibiting awesome notes of powdered rock, creme de cassis, liquid violets and lite gunpowder, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, awesome mid-palate depth and building, ultra-fine tannin that frame the finish. It`s an incredible wine that will won`t start to become approachable until a decade after the vintage, and then will keep for three decades.

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