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’s lauded Cuvee de l’Oree is made from Marsanne vines 60 to 70 years in age. The grapes come from the “Les Murets” plot on soil with very old fluvioglacial alluvial deposits.

De L’Oree has an intense golden yellow color, with hints of green and gold. The aromas are very intense, with hot shingles, toffee, and very ripe, fruity lemon with floral overtones of acacia and hawthorn. The wine has a well-rounded start, full body and is very complex, with overtones of ripe fruits, spices and roasting. It is very long in the mouth, with a fresh final note. Depending on the vintage, the wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or even from 50 to 75 years.

Introducing the 2020 Chapoutier Ermitage Cuvee de l'Orée, a remarkable white wine that embodies the essence of the Rhone region in France. With its mesmerizing golden hue and elegant label, this wine is a true testament to the mastery of the renowned producer, Chapoutier.

Crafted from the Marsanne varietal, this vintage showcases the exceptional quality of grapes grown in the Northern Rhone's Hermitage appellation. The vineyards, located in the eastern part of the appellation, boast glacial deposits that contribute to the wine's unique character and minerality.

Upon first encounter, the nose is greeted with a tantalizing blend of savory aromas. Almonds take center stage, while hints of apple and quince dance in the background, creating a symphony of scents that entice the senses. This vintage strikes a perfect balance, displaying the roundness characteristic of De l'Orée without overwhelming opulence.

The palate is a revelation of freshness and vibrancy, with a clearly visible mineral line that distinguishes it from classic vintages of this cuvée. While De l'Orée is known for its richness in its youth, this particular vintage showcases a thirst-quenching quality that is incredibly refreshing. The wine's propensity to opulence is slightly tempered, resulting in a harmonious and well-balanced experience.

Renowned wine critic Decanter awards this wine an impressive score of 98, praising its freshness, balance, and restrained opulence. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also lauds the 2020 Ermitage de l'Orée, awarding it a score of 95 and highlighting its superb balance and elegance. Jeb Dunnuck gives it a stellar score of 98, noting its concentration and age-worthiness.

James Suckling, a respected voice in the wine world, awards this wine a staggering 99 points, describing it as breathtaking and expansive. He praises its fabulous concentration, interplay of creamy richness with mineral freshness, and the intensity and purity of the stony finish.

The 2020 Chapoutier Ermitage Cuvee de l'Orée is an exceptional white wine that showcases the true potential of Marsanne grapes in the hands of a talented producer. With its impeccable balance, vibrant freshness, and complex aromas, this wine is a true gem in the world of white Rhone wines. Enjoy it now or cellar it for further aging, as it will continue to evolve and delight for over two decades.