2014 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc

Marsanne - 750ML
Reg: $595.00
$495.00
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REVIEWS

WA 100 WS 97 JR 95 VN 94
WA 100

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2015

The wine of the vintage (and I’ll include all the wines of the northern Rhône, red and white in that grouping) is the 2014 Ermitage l’Ermite Blanc. Always made from 100% Marsanne that comes from the granite soils of the...
WS 97

Wine Spectator, February 2017

Rich but racy, with a core of melon, white peach and yellow apple fruit streaming through, carried by a mouthwatering quinine note. The finish is gilded with honeysuckle and jasmine details, giving this lift and...
JR 95

Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages, June 2015

Cask sample. Granite like that of St-Joseph. Lots of pre-phylloxera vines. Particularly complex, dense nose with masses of acidity and prominent saltiness. A very long-term wine with great potential. Lots of lime and...
VN 94

Vinous, July 2017

Brilliant yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of pear, Meyer lemon and jasmine; hints of smoky lees, iodine and fennel emerge with aeration. Sappy, deeply concentrated orchard and pit fruit, melon and brioche flavors...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type White
Varietal Marsanne
Country France
Region Rhone
Sub-region Northern Rhone
Appellation Hermitage
Vintage 2014
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 14%
Closure Cork

Chapoutier is one of the oldest wine producers in the Rhone Valley with a history dating back to 1808. A distant ancestor, Polydor Chapoutier, was the first to buy vines here, shifting from being a simple grape grower to making and trading his own wine. For the last two hundred years, the estate has been producing some of the greatest wines in the Rhone Valley. Today, the range also includes wines from some Roussillon appellations as well as projects in Portugal and Australia.

Under Michel Chapoutier’s leadership, quality improved and Chapoutier gained international recognition. The massive negociant and winery produces single-vineyard expressions and classic wines from a range of appellations in the north and south of the valley.

They have adopted biodynamic farming techniques and have included Braille markings on their labels since 1996. This was done from a desire to reach out to and include lovers of good wines with sight-impairments, and as a tribute to Maurice Monier of La Sizeranne, a member of the family that previously owned the vines of the same name and who invented the first abbreviated version of Braille.

Chapoutier L’Ermite Blanc is a Marsanne from a selection of the estate’s oldest vines, situated at the top of the Hermitage hill around the chapel, in a place named the “Ermite” where soils are very poor and granitic.

The wine’s color is brilliant and light straw yellow. It has aromas of vanilla, almonds, dried fruits and linden-tree. The minerality is marked (typical of the soil). This is a very round and rich wine. It has elegant balance, with a light bitterness at the end, very ripe white fruit aromas (peach and apricot), beautiful length in mouth and a huge complexity.

Depending on the vintage, this wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or from 50 to 75 years.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the exquisite 2014 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc. This white wine, hailing from the renowned Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhone region of France, is a true masterpiece crafted by the esteemed producer, Chapoutier.

With a medium-gold color that shimmers in the glass, this wine immediately captivates the senses. The nose is a heavenly bouquet of liquid rock, hazelnut, caramelized pineapples, stone fruits, and quince. Each aroma dances delicately, intertwining to create a symphony of scents that is simply intoxicating.

On the palate, the 2014 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc reveals its true brilliance. This full-bodied wine is thick, unctuous, and thrillingly pure. It boasts a laser focus that cuts through the senses, leaving a lasting impression. The flavors of orchard and pit fruit, melon, and brioche are deeply concentrated and sappy, creating a mouthwatering experience like no other. As you savor each sip, an incisive mineral nuance adds a layer of complexity, enhancing the overall depth and character of the wine.

The 2014 vintage of the Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc has garnered high praise from wine critics around the world. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a perfect score of 100, calling it the wine of the vintage for the entire northern Rhône region. Jancis Robinson, another respected critic, rated it 95 points, highlighting its complexity and long-term aging potential. Vinous also recognized its brilliance, awarding it 94 points and praising its vibrant aromas and incisive mineral nuance. Lastly, Wine Spectator awarded it an impressive 97 points, praising its rich but racy profile and mouthwatering finish.

It is worth noting that this wine is made from 100% Marsanne grapes, which thrive in the granite soils of the l'Hermite lieu-dit. After being aged for 11 months in new demi-muids, it is bottled unfined and unfiltered, allowing the pure essence of the Marsanne grape to shine through.

The 2014 Chapoutier Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc is a true gem that demands attention and admiration. While it is already stunning in its youth, it has the potential to age gracefully for three or more decades. Whether you enjoy it now or cellar it for later, this wine is sure to leave an indelible mark on your palate and your memory. Cheers!