Chapoutier, Ermitage Greffieux Size:6x750ml

Chapoutier, Ermitage Greffieux Size:6x750mlVivid purple. Mineral and smoke accented blackberry and blueberry on the intensely perfumed nose and in the mouth. Lush but energetic, with a peppery nuance adding bite and a sexy floral note building in the glass. Gains weight and structure with air and finishes with outstanding power and focus, on a lingering candied violet note. The most mineral driven of this year's set of Ermitage bottlings from Chapoutier, and in need of patience. Josh Raynolds

linear and palate staining finish

My observation is that this 2011 vintage feels more overtly ripe

flowers and heather honey

disgorged January

in a somehow more baroque way

load up on one of the finest recent vintages from the estate

resulting in extra concentration and richness

whereas the 2012 vintage is able to hide some of its ripeness within the general fleshiness and succulence of the fruit

hints of star anis

hedonistic wine with all the elements in the right place

with notions of ground pepper

with fabulous depth