Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

‘A perfect wine, the 2009 Ermitage Le Pavillon (1,093 cases) boasts a black/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of acacia flowers, blackberries, blueberries, roasted meats, creme de cassis, truffles, graphite, powdered rock and new saddle leather. Extremely dense, noble and pure, this monumental Ermitage is built for 50-100 years of cellaring.’ – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 100/100 (Dec 2011)

‘The 2009 Ermitage Le Pavillon emanates from the top of the Bessards Vineyard. Black as a moonless night with notes of graphite, creosote, acacia flowers, blackberries, blueberries, creme de cassis and camphor as well as hints of licorice and truffles, this wine is preposterously complex with over-the-top richness and remarkable purity, texture and length. This is a fabulous Hermitage of great power, richness and elegance. Unfortunately, given the tannin and extract levels, I suspect 10-15 years of cellaring will be essential. I say that knowing that Chapoutier’s 1989 and 1990 Le Pavillons are still adolescents at age 20+. All three of these wines have skyscraper-like textures and amazing purity, richness and depth. It is hard to believe any other producer could eclipse what this trilogy represents in quality, longevity and winemaking statesmanship. One has to admire Michel Chapoutier for producing wines that are not meant for immediate gratification or for turning the heads of consumers right out of the bottle. These wines are meant to help establish his legacy long after most of us have disappeared.’ – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 99-100/100 (Feb 2011)

‘Glowing dark crimson. Burnt tarry whiffs on the nose. Complex vine stumps on a bonfire. Then an unctuous palate entry. Very clever. You really do have to take your hat off to Michel Chapoutier and team for producing these gems, each one so different from the last and chock full of character. Wonderfully graceful polished tannins and great length. They make all but a handful of 2009 red bordeaux look a little predictable. Great depth and velvety texture. Smoke but not mirrors. It’s all real! You could actually drink this with pleasure already but it would be a massive waste of all that unrealised potential.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 19/20 (Apr 2010)

‘This has a very alluring ganache edge, which melts nicely into the core of crushed plum, blackberry and currant notes. Lots of anise and briar emerge on the back end, along with ample toasted spice and incense. The very long finish has riveting acidity, while the fruit and ganache notes echo on and on. Dense precise purpose. Best from 2015 through 2035.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 97/100 (Jul 2012)

‘Opaque purple. Red and dark berry preserves and candied flowers on the seductively perfumed nose. Juicy, deeply pitched black raspberry and blueberry flavors are complemented by notes of violet, rose and licorice. Offers an uncanny blend of richness and vivacity, with a seamless texture and no excess fat. Closes on a peppery note, with persistent florality. I find this highly seductive wine surprisingly open right now.’ – Josh Reynolds, Vinous, 95/100 (Mar 2012)