All of the single vineyard Ermitages turned out as good as I had hoped, possibly even better. In short they are among the strongest wines one could hope for in this vintage. The 2004 Ermitage l’Ermite exhibits blueberry and floral notes with that undeniable minerality lurking beneath the surface. It is full-bodied, which is rather remarkable in this vintage, with serious concentration for a 2004 and sweetness to the tannin. This wine might well be the most approachable of these wines, and drink well young yet last for 15 or more years. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

All of the single vineyard Ermitages turned out as good as I had hoped, possibly even better. In short they are among the strongest wines one could hope for in this vintage. The 2004 Ermitage l’Ermite exhibits blueberry and floral notes with that undeniable minerality lurking beneath the surface. It is full-bodied, which is rather remarkable in this vintage, with serious concentration for a 2004 and sweetness to the tannin. This wine might well be the most approachable of these wines, and drink well young yet last for 15 or more years. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Shows a mix of dark bramble notes and a zesty wild berry profile, with dark cocoa, tar and graphite in the background. The muscular edge on the finish is atypical for the vintage. Best from 2008 through 2017. 360 cases made, 85 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Northern Rh?ne / Ermitage Select to Add

Wonderfully aromatic and complex, blending floral notes with mineral scents, bold cassis fruit and cracked pepper. This is full-bodied and muscular on the palate, the only one of Chapoutier’s 2004s that really demands cellaring. Drink 2010–2020.——J.C.(9/1/2007)—— 95