At a glance

Producer

M. Chapoutier

Region

Hermitage, Rhône, France

Grape variety

Syrah

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$110-160 USD

Tasting profile

Deep, intense aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, violets, pepper, graphite, and subtle oak spice; still primary and tight.

Evolution: Will evolve toward savoury, complex notes of leather, cured meat, truffle, forest floor, and dried herbs as tertiary aromas deepen.

At peak: Complete harmony of fruit, savory nuance, integrated tannins, and velvety, persistent finish at peak.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, supports aging and freshness.

Tannins

High, fine-grained and powerful; will integrate beautifully with age.

Alcohol

Approx. 13.5-14% ABV, balanced.

Aging potential

Excellent, 20+ years under ideal conditions.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2031 to 2057

Optimal window

2028 to 2060

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Tightly wound with youthful structure, deep concentration and firm tannins.

2020 is a balanced, structured vintage for Hermitage; Sizeranne’s granite soils and Chapoutier’s winemaking offer both early complexity and underlying power, allowing for a two-decade+ window of peak enjoyment.

Food pairing

Rare roasted lamb, dry-aged beef, venison, wild mushroom ragout, or mature hard cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has high tannins that will benefit from aeration, allowing the flavors to open up and integrate better.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Biodynamic viticulture (no synthetic pesticides/chemicals), biodiversity zones, manual harvest, low-intervention winemaking, use of lightweight and recyclable glass bottles.

M. Chapoutier is a globally recognized leader in sustainable viticulture, pioneering large scale biodynamic and organic farming for decades. Their certified vineyards employ closed-loop systems, composting, and natural pest control. Packaging choices favor sustainability. Primary carbon footprint stems from worldwide exports, but overall, Sizeranne 2020 scores very high for sustainable, environmentally-conscious production.