1999 Chapoutier Le Pavillon Ermitage

Notes sourced from M. Chapoutier

GRAPE VARIETY
Syrah. The age of the vines (65 years in average) guarantees a production of very high quality.

SOIL
The Pavillon vineyard has a surface area of about 4ha. Its geological composition is characteristic. The soil is made up of a fine layer of deposits on a granitic ground.

HARVEST
Grapes are harvested when they are just beyond peak maturity. Due to their age, these vines give low yields.

VINIFICATION
The grapes ferment in open wooden vats after total de-stemming. From one to two daily treadings ensure a good extraction of the tannins. The temperature of fermentation varies between 20 and 32°C. Maceration lasts 3 or 4 weeks.

MATURING
Maturing goes off in oak casks (50 % new) during 15-18 months. The wine is regularly drawn of and clarified with no filtering or fining.

TASTING
Colour : Deep garnet red, with purple highlights.
Nose :Tar, slightly closed and smoky followed by raspberry, blackberry, walnut.
Palate : Complex, strong attack, it is a round, elegant wine, soft with a long aftertaste of liquorice and tobacco.