The nose of L’Ermita is so sweet and fine, with lifted notes of wild strawberries and garden raspberries. A violet-floral scent emanates from the glass but behind the glorious perfume is an astonishing depth of wine, vibrating with real presence and power. It feels like this has all the tremendous, brooding potential of a dark raincloud, not yet ready to let its droplets fall.
The palate is full of intensely sweet, ripe fruit yet there are so many layers here, it transcends description. The spiritual power of this unique place comes across with an incense lift that pervades the senses. It is beautifully layered, so complex and fine, with sweet spice intermingling with an incredible mineral focus and precision. Chalk-powder tannins coat the tongue, adding to the intense freshness of the wine, whilst a savoury hint completes the unbelievably long and deceptively powerful finish. As Álvaro says, ‘Paradoxical, prodigious are adjectives that fall short
of explaining the greatness, the pure aroma, the sense of emotion’. Incredible. Drink 2028 to 2060.
Catriona Felstead MW
