2023 Ermitage Le Pavillon
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Tasting notes
Sourced from the eastern part of Les Bessards, vinified with 15% whole clusters and matured two-thirds in barrels, of which 15% are new, with one-third in foudres, the 2023 Ermitage Le Pavillon wafts from the glass with aromas of violet, lilac, dark cherries, flowers and mulberries. Full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s built around a deep core of fruit framed by velvety, precise tannins, segueing into a long, saline and perfumed finish. Suave and harmonious, it should gain further exuberance with time in bottle. It's a profound young wine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Coming from unquestionably the most badass terroir for Syrah in the world, the steep granite slopes of the Bessards lieu-dit on the western side of Hermitage, the 2023 Ermitage Le Pavillon boasts a deeper ruby/plum hue and incredible aromatics of crème de cassis, bouquet garni, violet, gunpowder, and crushed stone. Based on 100% Syrah that was 85% destemmed with 15% whole cluster and aged 21 months in 70% used barrels and 30% demi-muids with 15% new oak, it's full-bodied and has a pure, layered mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, ample mid-palate, flawless balance, and a gorgeous finish. It's one of the finest wines in the vintage as well as an absolutely flawless, perfect wine that already offers pleasure yet will benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age and keep for 50 years. Drink 2031-2076.
The 2023 Ermitage Le Pavillon is a little closed at first, but with a bit of aeration black fruits, softly pronounced licorice and smoky nuances begin to emerge. Full-bodied, rounded and strikingly energetic, it pulls the palate forward with precision and a fresh bite on the long finish. There is a sense of tension here that suggests even greater complexity waiting just beneath the surface.
The full-bodied 2023 Ermitage Le Pavillon shows well, opening with ripe red and black plum, dried meat, graphite and a flicker of licorice. Cedar and violet notes add more complexity. Gently structured by soft tannins, the 2023 accentuates delicacy over power. Although it most likely won’t be able to match the pristine 2022, the 2023 is shaping up to be yet another delicious Le Pavillon.