France — wine
Hermitage
The greatest Syrah appellation on earth. A single granite hill above Tain-l'Hermitage — 136 hectares, south-facing, divided into named lieux-dits (Le Méal, L'Ermite, Les Bessards). Red Hermitage from Chave and Jaboulet's La Chapelle ages 30–60 years. White Hermitage (Marsanne/Roussanne) is among France's rarest and longest-lived whites. BC importer: Lifford Wine Agency [NEEDS VERIFICATION].
Benchmark products
Vintage assessments
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 84 | Good. Variable conditions managed well. Classic Hermitage iron and floral note maintained. |
| 2022 | 91 | Excellent. Powerful vintage. Age-worthy Hermitage from top producers. Chave and Jaboulet strong. |
| 2021 | 85 | Good. Cooler vintage for Northern Rhône. Less opulent but more classical Hermitage character. |
| 2020 | 88 | Very good. Dense, tannic. Hermitage Blanc (Marsanne-dominant) showing extraordinary richness. |
| 2019 | 93 | Outstanding. Chave Hermitage Rouge and Blanc both at exceptional levels. 25-year wines. |
| 2018 | 94 | Excellent. Iron, granite, structured Syrah. Hermitage rouge of extraordinary complexity and longevity. |
| 2017 | 97 | Exceptional Hermitage. Chave producing benchmark wine across rouge and blanc. Jaboulet La Chapelle also outstanding. |