Chapoutier L'Ermite Ermitage Tinto 1998

The Michel Chapoutier winery is a jewel of the Rhône Valley. It was founded in 1808 and is part of the history of the Côtes-du-Rhône. With the arrival of Michel Chapoutier in 1990, his leadership transformed the philosophy of winemaking in the Rhône. This philosophy is based on two basic principles: first, to seek out terroirs and get as close to them as possible, so much so that the plot becomes more important than the work of the winemaker. M. Chapoutier's viticulture is to reveal the terroir in the wine and this gives an incredible richness to the wines. Most of the wines from the Rhône are made from Syrah, and also Grenache, but M. Chapoutier's Syrah is different, it feels different. They work rigorously under the principles of biodynamics. M. Chapoutier has a very extensive line of wines and they all follow the same principle, the vintage year is left as is: no chaptalization, no addition of yeasts or acidifiers. L'Ermite are vineyards situated high on the Ermitage hill, around the hermitage. Vines 80 years old on very poor granitic soils. Chapoutier's Ermitage l'Ermite has a transparent character that almost allows the taster to see through the multiple levels of the wine. What stands out is the liquid minerality of granite liqueur. The elegant 1998 Ermitage l'Ermite rouge is light, but exquisitely balanced, with subtle notes of smoke and blackcurrant. The flavors unfold smoothly and gracefully, without anything over the top. The power is restrained, the tannin is well integrated and the acidity is barely noticeable. Yet the wine is fresh and beautifully delineated. Projected maturity: 2010-2040" (Robert Parker SIC) RP 98