Even better, with more purity and precision, the 2009 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc De L'Orée, also 100% Marsanne that’s vinified and aged (on lees) in 50% new French oak, delivers a staggering array of stone fruits...
Even better, with more purity and precision, the 2009 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc De L'Orée, also 100% Marsanne that’s vinified and aged (on lees) in 50% new French oak, delivers a staggering array of stone fruits, lychee, searing minerality, and hazelnut on the nose. Incredibly pure, intense, and concentrated, with a decadent, yet weightless texture, riveting acidity, and massive structure and extract that flows into the finish, this monumental white has nothing out of place and is a sheer joy to drink. The purity and freshness here is absolutely astounding, and this is an almost unparalleled dry white wine. It should age effortlessly for longer than I care to speculate.