2019 M. Chapoutier Le Pavillon Ermitage

98 Points - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

“Massively concentrated and tannic, Chapoutier's 2019 Ermitage le Pavillon looks as if it will take a few more years to come around than the other selections parcellaires. The initial scents of crushed stone and cassis are intriguing, but this full-bodied wine comes across almost cold and reserved yet immensely promising. On this occasion, Michel Chapoutier pronounced it "a tea of granite," which describes it fairly well, although hints of its future charms can be seen on the long, licorice-tinged and mouthwatering finish.”

98 Points - James Suckling

“Very deep black-fruit and bitter-chocolate aromas, but also notes of balsamic vinegar, leather and tar. Very powerful and weighty, but with mineral freshness that keeps it very bright. The enormous, fine tannins are married to very sweet fruit The brain-rattling intensity at the finish might be too much now, but give it a few years in bottle and it will blow your mind. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.”

97 Points - Josh Raynolds, Vinous

“Brooding ruby. An expansive, highly complex bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged black and blue fruits, olive, potpourri, game and incense; a smoky mineral note builds as the wine stretches out. Coats the palate with deep, mineral-accented cassis, kirsch, bitter chocolate and violet pastille flavors that show outstanding definition and developing sweetness. Gripping tannins add shape to an extremely long, mineral-driven finish that emphatically repeats the blue fruit and floral notes.”

97 Points - Wine Spectator

“Racy and vibrant, with vigorous mulberry, loganberry and plum compote notes carried by bramble and tar, picking up sweet tobacco and humus accents along the way. The long finish, marked by alder and smoke, keeps the fruit front and center. Best from 2025 through 2040. 24 cases imported.”