2001 M. Chapoutier Le Pavillon Ermitage

95 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

“Year in and year out, one of the three greatest Hermitages made is Chapoutier's Le Pavillon. The 2001 Ermitage Le Pavillon exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of camphor, ink, creme de cassis, and hints of licorice as well as smoke. Although dense, rich, and full-bodied, the 2001 reveals more acidity in its delineated, nervous personality. Unquestionably great and intense, it will be less charming and precocious than its 2000 sibling. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. (93-95 pts)”

95 Points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front

“Beautiful. Wild provencal herbs, cherry, malt, ripe stalks, tar, tobacco, an elegant flood of plum and blackcurrant. Complexity, and purity. Very fine.”

97 Points - Matt Walls, Decanter

“Sourced from 4ha of 65-year-old vines on granitic soils in the lieu-dit of Les Bessards. It's mature now, showing a very gamey character on the nose along with some leaf mulch and cigar tobacco. It's still very full and richly fruited on the palate, with furry tannins which are perhaps just a little dry - not the most elegant tannic texture. There's a saline, searching finish of good length. It's a little gruff compared to the sleeker incarnation of today's Le Pavillon but nonetheless is very Hermitage, and full of interest.”