1999 Chapoutier L'Ermite Rouge Ermitage

Notes sourced from M. Chapoutier

GRAPE VARIETY
Syrah.

SOIL
Situated at the top of the hermitage hill, around the chapel, in a place named Ermite. The vines are 80 years old and are on very poor granite soils.

HARVEST
Hand harvesting takes place late in order to obtain the natural proof of over 13% alcohol.

VINIFICATION
The harvest which is 100 % de-stemmed is matured in a cement vat. Maceration lasts from 5 to 6 weeks. The temperature does not exceed 32°C to enable good quality extraction.

MATURING
After alcoholic fermentation the wine is transferred immediately into new casks to be matured from 14 to 18 months. The wine is unfiltered and unfined.

TASTING
Colour : Very deep garnet, almost black in colour.
Nose :Black fruits with spicy and ink notes.
Palate : Tannins are not only very powerful but also mellow, smoky notes, pepper, highlights wonderfully the Syrah variety on granite soils.