2003 M. Chapoutier, Hermitage, Vin de Paille

The 2003 Hermitage Vin de Paille was spectacular. Made from straw dried Marsanne and aged all in new oak, it offers incredible notes of caramelized tropical fruits, quince, brioche, cigar and honeycomb to go with a unctuous, thick and chewy profile on the palate that somehow stays fresh and lively. Almost requiring a fork as opposed to a glass, it will most likely be indestructible in the cellar and can be enjoyed anytime over the coming century. Finishing harvest at the end of August, Michel Chapoutier produced a monumental lineup of wines in 2003, and enough can’t be said about the quality coming for this estate. To say I was blown away would be an understatement.

One of the specialities at this estate is the limited production (about 2,000 375 ml bottles) dessert wines called Ermitage Vin de Paille. The 2003 is an amazing elixir possessing 15% alcohol and 160 grams of residual sugar. A light gold color, unctuous texture, and extraordinary notes of white truffles, orange marmalade, molasses, and creme brulee emerge from this rich, decadent, luxurious offering. It should last for 100+ years. N/A - 2106
-Wine Advocate #163 Feb 2006

(96-98 pts)
Chapoutier’s 2003 Ermitage Vin de Paille possesses huge unctuosity, body, and sweetness. Loaded with flavors reminiscent of marmalade, honeysuckle, fig, and minerals, this wine will last 50-100 years. As I have said so many times over the last 15 years, the top Chapoutier wines are meant for very long term drinking, and are not designed for immediate gratification. Everything Chapoutier is doing, from his bio-dynamically farmed vineyard to tiny yields, extended fermentations, indigenous yeasts, and no fining or filtration, is done to produce the essence of a vineyard and a vintage. His track record since 1989 and 1990 admirably proves that these are indeed remarkable wines made by a young genius who refuses to compromise. Michel Chapoutier has been misunderstood by some of his peers, and there is a lot of jealousy when someone this young is so incredibly talented, but it is an irrefutable fact that these are wines of singular greatness as well as longevity. Drink: 2004 - 2104
-Wine Advocate #156 Dec 2004

Chapoutier’s 2003 Ermitage Vin de Paille possesses huge unctuosity, body, and sweetness. Loaded with flavors reminiscent of marmalade, honeysuckle, fig, and minerals, this wine will last 50-100 years. As I have said so many times over the last 15 years, the top Chapoutier wines are meant for very long term drinking, and are not designed for immediate gratification. Everything Chapoutier is doing, from his bio-dynamically farmed vineyard to tiny yields, extended fermentations, indigenous yeasts, and no fining or filtration, is done to produce the essence of a vineyard and a vintage. His track record since 1989 and 1990 admirably proves that these are indeed remarkable wines made by a young genius who refuses to compromise. Michel Chapoutier has been misunderstood by some of his peers, and there is a lot of jealousy when someone this young is so incredibly talented, but it is an irrefutable fact that these are wines of singular greatness as well as longevity. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900