Ermitage L'Ermite Chapoutier 2008 (750ML)

94 Points, Robert Parker Jr., Wine Advocate: "It is an amazing achievement. Even better is the 2008 Ermitage l'Ermite (449 cases). Not as concentrated as Le Pavillon, it reveals a powdered rock character in its ink, graphite, earth, blueberry and black currant-scented bouquet. Displaying medium to full body as well as great purity, it is another amazing accomplishment from Michel Chapoutier. Interestingly, in 2008, Chapoutier decided to cut back on the new oak for all of his top cuvees (utilizing 25% versus the normal 100%)." 02/11

"""This has a dusting of cocoa powder and is fairly rounded for the vintage, offering a solid core of crushed plum, mulled spice, maduro tobacco and loam. Tangy acidity sits in the background, giving the finish a racier feel, with the spice and tobacco notes lingering...92"" WS 11/10"