| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Rhône > Northern Rhône > Hermitage |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
In the same vein, the 2018 Ermitage L’Ermite has a pure, liquid rock-like mineral component as well as a tight, dense style in its crème de cassis, violets, acacia flowers, crushed stone, charcoal, and peppered game-like aromas and flavors. While this showed a more plush, sexy character from barrel (which led me to compare it to the Pavillon), it's a classic L'Ermite from bottle and is full-bodied, tight, concentrated, and structured. It's a magical Hermitage in the making yet won't hit maturity for 10-15 years and should keep for 30+.
Similar to the Le Pavillon with its liquid rock minerality, the 2018 Ermitage L’Ermite's inky purple/blue color is followed a gorgeous nose of blueberries, spring flowers, incense, cracked pepper, and spice. This flows to a more opulent, full-bodied, massively concentrated wine that has ripe, sweet tannins, no hard edges, and a huge finish. While the Pavillon has a more l'Ermite-like character in this vintage, the L'Ermite is more Pavillon-like with its beautiful opulence and decadence. I’ve no doubt both wines will show more classic characters this time next year from bottle.
