2010 M. Chapoutier, Hermitage, l’Ermite Rouge

Vinous 95+

Glass-staining purple. Powerful, room-filling aromas of dark fruit liqueur, sandalwood, mocha, licorice and potpourri. Stains the palate with weighty dark berry and bitter cherry flavors, a sappy floral pastille nuance adding an exotic touch. Silky tannins come up with air and build through a remarkably long, chewy, smoke- and spice-accented finish. This wine has gained structure and power since last year and really should be stashed away and forgotten for a good long while. [Josh Raynolds, 03/01/2013]

Robert Parker 86

A very good wine from this cool-climate region, the L’Ermitage secret to success seems to be the fact that it’s two-thirds Merlot, which does ripen in warmer vintages in Listrac. Dark ruby/plum-colored with notes of tobacco leaf, Provencal herbs, sweet red currants and a touch of pomegranate, the wine is lush, medium-bodied and best drunk over the next 6-7 years. A member of the Alliance des Cru Bourgeois du Medoc. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 28/02/2013]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020