Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Rhône > Northern Rhône > Hermitage |
Colour | White |
Type | Still |
Always a classic Hermitage Blanc, the 2019 Hermitage Chante-Alouette Blanc is all Marsanne that comes mostly from vines just above the Le Méal lieu-dit, but also from the upper part of the Les Murets. A rich, medium to full-bodied beauty, it has classic Hermitage minerality as well as smoking good notes of buttered peach, quince, woodsmoke, crushed stone, and a touch of spice. It shows even more minerality on the palate and is balanced, with ample mid-palate depth and a great finish. This young, concentrated, vibrant Hermitage Blanc can be drunk over the coming 20-25 years or more.
Blended from the lieux-dits of Les Murets, Le Méal and the loess portion of L'Ermite, the 2019 Hermitage Chante-Alouette is a ripe, rich wine marked by notes of toasty oak, pear, pineapple, melon and citrus. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky in feel across the mid-palate, then long and zesty-briny on the finish. It can be consumed young or after a decade of cellaring.
A classic 100% Marsanne, the 2019 Chante-Alouette is drinking beautifully now. The generous, savoury yet sweet nose offers white sultana, fresh nuts, spice box and cinnamon. Glossy orchard fruit lines the palate, which is honeyed yet tamed by an earthy, savoury depth. It is this almost salty character that brings the wine into balance, creating a gourmand and textural wine without heaviness. Pine nut, straw and green almond linger on a broad, waxy finish. There is no reason to wait, enjoy this now while the fruit and early development are in perfect balance.