2012 Ermitage Le Pavillon
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Tasting notes
Medicinal, black-fruited, leathery and minty – there’s a farmyard whiff here, but with so much intense fruit and spice it melds together seamlessly. Compact and bold, and very well preserved – there’s no hurry to drink this. (RH)
Critic scores
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Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Pure perfection in Syrah, the 2012 Ermitage Le Pavillon comes from the pure granite soils of the Les Bessards lieu-dit and was brought up in around 30-35% new demi-muids. This blockbuster yet magical wine offers everything: incredible aromatics, huge richness and intensity, no sensation of weight or heaviness, and a finish that just goes on and on. With lots of sweet dark cassis and raspberry fruit, it has an almost Méal-like sexiness yet shows more and more minerality as well as tannins on the finish. It’s a quintessential, awesome, perfect wine to enjoy over the coming 20-25 years.
(made entirely from fruit grown in Bessards, from vines that range from 40 to 60 years in age; 25% new oak): Saturated purple. Pungent smoke- and mineral-accented aromas of dark berry preserves, dried cherry, pipe tobacco, licorice and incense. Stains the palate with intense blackcurrant and bitter cherry flavors, becoming deeper, sweeter and spicier with air. Packs a very serious punch but comes off as lithe and precise, finishing with excellent length and silky, slowly emerging tannins.