2013 Ermitage Rouge, L'Ermite, M. Chapoutier, Rhône

100% Syrah grown on shallow, sandy brown soils over Tournon granite at the top of the hill of Hermitage. 120-year-old vines picked very late. 100% destemmed grapes were vinified in concrete and macerated four to six weeks at temperatures sometimes over 30 °C. 20% of the wine was aged in new barrels, 20% in second-use barrels, 30% in third-used and so on.

Deep crimson. Very firm and very Syrah with real depth but, interestingly, the nose deteriorated in an opened bottle – not as fast as a Pinot but almost – perhaps because it's already 10 years old. Unusually fruity initial impact and some real delicacy who'd have thought it?!) on the palate. I see that I noted this energy back in 2014.

Drink 2020 - 2030

The elegant 2013 Ermitage L'Ermite opens with jammy red and black fruits, tobacco, crushed violets, cured meat and earthy undertones. Medium-bodied and refreshing, the 2013 engages the palate with solid concentration and spot-on balance. Grippy tannins give firm structure to what is essentially a classic L'Ermite that transparently shows the characteristics of a cooler vintage.

Drink 2022 - 2030

Bright purple. An impressively complex, expressive nose displays intense aromas of fresh dark berries, cherry cola, incense, allspice, and smoky minerals. Spicy, deeply concentrated black and blue fruit flavors show superb focus and energy, and a suave floral pastille quality emerges as the wine opens up. It shows a compelling blend of richness and vivacity, finishing with superb lift, harmonious tannins, and outstanding persistence.

Drink 2021 - 2029

The 2013 L’Ermite is another beautiful effort. It shows the cooler, crisper nature of the vintage while still packing a beautiful depth of fruit. Liquid rock, charcoal, graphite, cassis, and blackcurrant fruits all emerge from this inky purple-hued effort. Full-bodied, with both tannins and acidity galore, it’s about 4-5 years away from primetime and will keep for 30+ years in cold cellars.

Drink before 2050

A strikingly complex nose of berries, black pepper, smoke, grilled meat, dried herbs, spices and lard. Give it time to unfurl in your glass. Full body with fine tannins and bright acidity. The mineral backbone at the centre shows clarity and vibrancy but turns vertical with its firm and massively mineral tannins. There is so much spice and freshness here for a decade-old wine. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. It's delicious but will continue to age beautifully for the next decade.