2016 M. Chapoutier Ermitage “Le Pavillon”

Chapoutier is undoubtedly one of premier producers of the Rhone and indeed, in the world. Year after year, this winery bottles some of the most remarkable and remarked upon wines anywhere. Bestowing 'wine of the vintage' upon a wine from this estate has become so commonplace, it is expected. 

Chapoutier is a well respected name with roots dating back to the 19th century. Established by the Chapoutier family in 1855, this esteemed winery in the Rhône Valley has become synonymous with quality and excellence.

Polydore Chapoutier, the pioneer of the family, laid the groundwork for success, paving the way for future generations to thrive. It was under the leadership of Michel Chapoutier, however, that the estate underwent a remarkable transformation, earning global recognition.

Nestled in the charming town of Tain Hermitage, Chapoutier oversees an expansive network of vineyards across the Rhône Valley's most prestigious regions.From the sunny slopes of Hermitage to the revered terroirs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côte-Rôtie, each vineyard imparts its unique character to the wines, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas.

Michel Chapoutier's innovative approach revolutionized Hermitage winemaking, championing meticulous vineyard practices and pioneering sustainable farming techniques. The result? A wine of exceptional depth, complexity, and character that continues to captivate enthusiasts and critics alike.

At the heart of Chapoutier's portfolio lies the crown jewel – Le Pavillon Hermitage. Celebrated as one of the finest examples of Syrah worldwide, this single vineyard wine embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and artistry.

100% Syrah. In the glass, the wine displays deep garnet red with purple lights. On the nose, tarry and smoky aromas lead the way, followed by raspberry, blackberry, walnut, and liquorice. On the palate, the wine is complex, strong attack up front, displaced by velvet and balance, finishing with, liquorice, tobacco, and cocoa.

Aged entirely in barriques (25% new), the 2016 Ermitage le Pavillon shows only a hint of warm pencil shavings on the nose, beautifully setting up notes of fresh blackcurrants. Full-bodied, concentrated and plush across the mid-palate, it turns rich and velvety on the nearly endless finish, marked by savory notes of beef, licorice and espresso. If you wish to catch a glimpse of this wine's greatness, it would be no crime to open a bottle upon release, as I suspect it will close down for a number of years soon afterward. ~100 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

More structured and tannic, yet sensationally concentrated, the 2016 Ermitage Le Pavillon comes all from the broken granite soils of the Bessards lieu-dit and was brought up in just 30% new French oak. It gives up awesome notes of blue fruits, crushed rocks, graphite, and lit gunpowder. Rich, full-bodied, and incredibly massive and opulent on the palate, yet with serious amounts of tannins, extract, and depth, it's a tour de force and one of the gems in the vintage as well as a monumental Hermitage. Hide bottles for 5-7 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 4-5 decades. ~99 Jeb Dunnuck

***Free Shipping on 6 or more bottles of this wine***