2008 M. Chapoutier, Ermitage, Le Pavillon

The most concentrated 2008 Ermitage is Le Pavillon (915 cases). Backward as well as elegant, it offers up scents of blueberries, blackberries, camphor, black truffles and earth. The wine is medium to full-bodied, moderately tannic and, atypically, capable of lasting 20-25+ years. Drink 2011-2036.
93 points – Robert PArker (Wine Advocate #193, Feb 2011)

This has a similar nose to Le Meal but with just a little more vigour and definition. Much more primal than Le Meal – wait and see what happens with this. The palate is very supple and rounded on the entry but with very fine acidity. Like the L’Ermite it is very primal on the finish. Generous, expressive at the moment, but it will probably go into its shell after bottling. Tasted April 2009.

Glass-staining ruby. Deeper and more serious than the preceding wines, displaying dark berry and cherry pit aromas and notes of licorice and black tea. Uncommonly rich but backward for the vintage, offering powerful flavors of bitter cherry and licorice pastille, with dusty tannins adding grip. No way I'd have guessed that this was from 2008.

Humdrum nose. Dry fruit, somewhat baked. Not in the finest fettle? (RH)