2013 - Hermitage l'Ermite Blanc, M. Chapoutier

Completing a trifecta of perfect whites, the 2013 Ermitage l’Ermite Blanc is another sensational effort that offers incredible minerality/liquid rock in its pineapple, tangerine, flower oil, mint and caramelized citrus-driven bouquet. Full-bodied and beautiful on the palate, with more tension and focus than the Cuvee de L’Orée or le Meal, it has perfectly balanced richness, structure and freshness, with no hard edges and a blockbuster finish. It won't be accessible for another 3-4 years and will most likely be immortal in the cellar.

Limpid gold. A highly perfumed and complex nose evokes mineral-accented orchard fruits and melon, backed by hints of smoke, iodine and vanilla. Densely packed pear, honeydew and tangerine flavors are energized by a zesty ginger quality and a repeating mineral note. Closes with superb thrust and persistence, leaving behind notes of pear skin and chalky minerals.

0.5 ha, 100% Marsanne. This wine is made from a selection of Chapoutier’s oldest Marsanne (some more than 100 years old) situated at the top of the Hermitage hill, behind the chapel, at a place named the Ermite and planted on poor granitic and shallow soils (An alkaline granite, the only one in which you can grow truffles). This is the most structured Chapoutier white Hermitage. Yields are very low – 12hl/ha. Very big and rich and seems rather marked by oak – although all these wines had the same oak regime. Savoury finish. This seems to have absorbed the oak less efficiently than the two other 2013 Ermitage Blancs. This tastes rather more like a white burgundy. Muscular and youthful. Lots to chew on! (JR)