2020 M. Chapoutier, Hermitage, Le Pavillon

Vinous 96-98

Dark purple. Potent dark berry preserve, cherry-cola, exotic spice, potpourri and mineral aromas convey impressive energy and acquire smoked bacon and licorice nuances with air. Sappy, deeply concentrated blackberry, bitter cherry, fruitcake and salty olive paste flavors stain the palate and show almost shocking energy for their heft. Closes with superb, floral- and mineral-dominated persistence and chewy tannins adding final grip. I also had the chance to drink the still-youthful and mineral-driven 2011 rendition of this wine, made entirely from fruit grown in Bessards, and was blown away by its balance and freshness. [Josh Raynolds, 22/12/2022]

Wine Advocate 99

Chapoutier’s 2020 Ermitage le Pavillon shows a more chiseled, defined structure than the other 2020s, suggesting greater potential longevity. This full-bodied effort is loaded with purple raspberries and cassis, but it remains tight and taut, showing fascinating tension and elegance allied to great depth and length. Impressive! [Joe Czerwinski, 26/09/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2045