M. Chapoutier : L'Ermite 2014

The inky black/purple-colored 2014 Ermitage l’Ermite is more firm, backward and mineral-driven than the sexier Pavillon, offering fabulous notes of scorched earth, wood smoke, crushed violets, and both blackcurrant and crème de cassis. An utterly profound effort, it defines the more charming nature of the vintage, displaying building tannin and one seriously long finish. Forget bottles for 5-7 years and enjoy over the following two decades.

This has a solid bass line, with notes of anise, blackberry and plum steeped together, carried by a grippy, cocoa-edged structure. The back half is all cut and drive, showing brambly energy and a lovely singed juniper element. Best from 2018 through 2032. 10 cases imported.

Dense and dark-fruited, this L'Ermite emits deep black cherry and blackberry charm, balanced with touches of dried herbs, tar and petrichor. The acidity is sweeping and lends great energy to the already vibrating, simmering finish.

A focused, layered, driven, attractive and characterful Ermitage. The nose enchants with aromas of wild berries, roasted meat, wood fire, crushed peppercorns, dried herbs, bark and warm spices. It’s medium-bodied yet intense and lively. Fine tannins coat the palate and frame the vivid and crunchy core of succulent berries driving the center palate. Agile and vertical, with so much precision and drive in the long finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

The 2014 L'Ermite comes from a charming, moderately concentrated vintage, but you wouldn’t know that by tasting this wine. Awesome notes of scorched earth, charcoal, crushed violets, and pure crème de cassis all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has a stacked mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. It doesn’t have the sheer mass of fruit of the 2009, 2010, or 2015, yet it’s flawlessly balanced and a beautiful wine.

Beautiful definition on this wine, marked by graphite and pepper. The juice is taut, the texture is elongated with a tannic framework that brings persistence, and the wine manages its élevage better.