M. Chapoutier - Ermitage L'Ermite Blanc 2005

Add to Wish List

M. Chapoutier Description

No name is more closely associated with the greatness of the Rhone valley than Chapoutier.

The history of the Chapoutier family stretches back to the early nineteenth century when current owner Michel Chapoutier's great-, great-, great-grandfather Marius purchased an estate and some vineyards in the now famous village of Tain l'Hermitage in the Northern Rhône Valley. Marius Chapoutier made history in the region when he became the first grape grower there to vinify his own fruit. Marius had tasted wines other winemakers produced using his fruit and he realized that something was lost in translation, so to speak. He knew that he owned some of the best growing sites in the appellation and he believed — rightly — that the grapes grown in his vineyards could produce long-lived world-class wines. In a move unusual at the time, he decided that he should make the wine himself. Not only did the quality of the wines increase greatly, but this move provided the capital to expand the Chapoutiers’ already legendary estate.

A visionary and pioneer in biodynamic winemaking, his restless energy and unconditional commitment to quality have produced tremendous success, with the most 90+ point ratings of all Rhône producers and 16 "100 point" rated wines.

Wine Spectator: 97 Points

Very rich, but racy and well-focused, with a great minerally underpinning to the fresh butter, chamomile, yellow apple, anise, jasmine rice, hazelnut and fresh chanterelle notes. Long, creamy finish. Best from 20210 through 2025. 250 cases made, 34 cases imported.

Vinous: 95 Points

Yellow-gold. Smoky, mineral-dominated bouquet offers an explosion of orchard and pit fruits, fresh flowers, herbs and smoky minerals, with exotic spices adding complexity. Mineral-saturated pear, orange and white truffles on the palate, with nervy acidity adding spine. Takes over the palate with deeply concentrated white and yellow fruit compote flavors, and finishes with smoky mineral grip. This is strongly reminiscent of a Montrachet.

Wine Advocate: 95 Points

At the very top of the appellation’s dome of decomposed granite is l’Ermite. This wine is the equivalent of drinking liquified rocks.The 2005 Ermitage l’Ermite blanc has that multi-layered mouthfeel, an extraordinary nose of intense minerality, quince, and white fruits. Some of the vines in this parcel are 130 years old, and the wine has over-the-top richness yet amazing acidity, depth, and a freshness that is hard to believe given its power and intensity.