Ermitage l'Ermite, Maison M. Chapoutier 2010

The 2010 Ermitage l'Ermite (454 cases produced) is another perfect wine. Completely different than Le Pavillon, l'Ermite is always slightly more austere. It comes from a 7.5-acre parcel of sandy, granitic soils at the top of the Hill of Hermitage that produces both red and white compelling Hermitages, somewhat unusual in this tiny appellation. The black/purple-colored 2010 l'Ermite exhibits a tight, more mineral-dominated set of aromatics offering up hints of blue and black fruits, charcoal, steak tartare and an unmistakable floral note. This full-bodied, more austere and tannic effort reveals extraordinary weight, palate penetration and purity. It represents the concentrated essence of a specific site as well as the Syrah grape planted in this magical appellation. Forgot it for 10-15 years, possibly two decades, and drink it over the following 50-75 years.

Crushed rock, spring flowers and a liqueur of granite are all present in the inky/purple colored 2010 Ermitage L'Ermite. It is almost a crime trying to describe a wine such as this, since so few people will ever get to taste it in its full prime, which is probably a good 25-30 years away. Super-pure, rich and full-bodied, this is a great example from Michel Chapoutier, certainly up there with the top vintages of this wine to date. It will require unbelievable patience and needs at least a decade or more of cellaring before being consumed.