This Northern Rhône red is tightly wound, but also supersleek and racy, with a terrific beam of blackberry and raspberry ganache pushed by graphite, iron and violet notes. Long and extremely precise, with a terrific mouthwatering undertow. Best from 2010 through 2026. Wine Spectator

The eponymous vineyard grows on very poor granitic and shallow soilssurrounding the chapel of ¿Ermite¿ at the top of the hill of Hermitage.The vineyard¿s elevated position, over 200 metres, allows long ripening atthe end of the growing season, and its loess soils provide excellent drainagefor rainwater. The age of the vines averages over 80 years. This wine is themost individual statement in the Hermitage appellation, and the most prizedfor followers of M.Chapoutier¿s grandest of crus. L¿Ermite traditionallyproduces the most elegant and aromatic Hermitage. It has powerful tannins,smoky notes and black pepper ¿ the perfect expression of Syrah grown ongranite soils.