M Chapoutier Ermitage le Pavillon 2005 750ml

WineSpectator.com/ Issue: Jul 31, 2008
Very focused, with grippy but streamlined tannins carrying dark currant, plum, coffee, mocha and mineral notes through the long, zesty finish filled with wild berry and briar patch. This should flesh out nicely in the cellar, as there's some real serious grip. Best from 2010 through 2025.

Maison M. Chapoutier is one of the most recognizable producers in the Rhône Valley. It is known for its wines from both the north and south of the valley, but in particular for its red and white Hermitage wines, made from Syrah and a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, respectively.
The family's history in the Rhône dates back to 1808, but it wasn't until 1879 that Polydor Chapoutier transitioned the family from growing grapes to making and trading wine. In 1988, Michel Chapoutier took the company reins, and a push toward quality saw the Chapoutier label begin to gain international recognition.
Michel Chapoutier eschewed the use of traditional chestnut foudres for aging, instead moving toward smaller oak casks with shorter aging periods. He also advocated to keep the wines unfiltered and unfined, and to produce only biodynamically or organically grown fruit across all of the vineyards.

Meats, Lamb