Winemaker Notes
The 2018 Maison M. Chapoutier Ermitage “L’Ermite” Blanc Bio is considered one of the most exceptional Marsanne-based wines from the Northern Rhône. Coming from old vines at the very top of Hermitage Hill, it delivers a magical bouquet of quince, poached pear, orange blossom, honeysuckle, and a distinctive mineral “liqueur of rock” character. On the palate, it is powerful, super-rich, and full-bodied, yet balanced with remarkable precision and depth. Aged in demi-muids (20–25% new), the wine shows both opulence and finesse, with a long, resonant finish. Critics awarded it near-perfect scores (100 points Jeb Dunnuck, 98–100 Robert Parker), praising its purity and longevity; while approachable with extended aeration, it is expected to reach peak maturity in 7–8 years and age gracefully for decades.
About Winery
Maison M. Chapoutier is one of the most historic and influential wineries in France’s Rhône Valley, based in Tain-l’Hermitage. The family’s roots in the region trace back to 1808, when the company was first established under the name Calvet et Compagnie. In 1879, Polydor Chapoutier purchased vineyards in Hermitage, marking the true beginning of the Chapoutier wine legacy. By the late 19th century, Marius Chapoutier expanded the business, and in the 20th century, leadership passed through successive generations, including Max Chapoutier. The most transformative era began in the 1990s under Michel Chapoutier, who introduced biodynamic viticulture, a philosophy emphasizing harmony between soil, plants, and environment. Michel also made Chapoutier’s wines globally recognizable by adding Braille labels in 1996, honoring inclusivity. Today, Chapoutier is celebrated for producing some of the Rhône’s most iconic wines, particularly from Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while remaining a pioneer in biodynamic winemaking.
