Freddy R. Troya

9.0

M. Chapoutier “Les Meysonniers” Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2024, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Produced from 100% Marsanne grown on gently sloping hillsides composed of Rhône river sediments, clay, and rounded stones. The vineyards average 20–40 years of age and fermentation takes place partly in stainless steel and partly in oak, preserving the aromatic character of the terroir while adding texture.

Aromas & Flavors
Quince, ripe pear, and green apple lead the nose, followed by almond, subtle toast, and hints of white flowers. As it opens, delicate stone fruit and light honey notes appear.

Mouthfeel
Fresh and supple with a smooth texture and lively acidity. The wine shows a delicate tension with a light kiss of astringency that adds structure to the finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled sea bass, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, goat cheese, or shellfish.

Verdict
An elegant and approachable introduction to Northern Rhône Marsanne that balances freshness with subtle richness.

🍷 Personal Pick
A beautifully aromatic Crozes-Hermitage Blanc with lively structure and freshness, offering a refined profile with just a hint of astringency that keeps the wine energetic and engaging. — 12 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Opened prior to dinner. The 2009 “Le Méal” Blanc pours a light gold color with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine was initially a bit reductive but that eventually gave way to ripe peaches, passion fruit, a mix of white and yellow flowers, beeswax, almonds, minerals and there was also a wild note of Bandaid with Neosporin (you can’t make this up). On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The alcohol is high but balanced. Drink now with patience through 2039. — 8 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

M. Chapoutier “Monier de la Sizeranne” Hermitage Rouge 2020, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A classic Hermitage Syrah sourced from several parcels including Les Bessards, Le Méal, and Les Greffieux. The vineyards combine granite and clay soils that give the wine both structure and richness.

Aromas & Flavors
Raspberry, blackberry, and cassis are complemented by black pepper, licorice, and subtle smoky notes.

Mouthfeel
Elegant yet structured with concentrated tannins and a long, spicy finish.

Food Pairings
Venison, roasted beef, duck, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A refined Hermitage Syrah that captures the balance of power and elegance characteristic of the appellation.

🍷 Personal Pick
A beautifully structured Hermitage Syrah that showcases the depth and elegance of the appellation with impressive balance and complexity. — 12 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

M. Chapoutier “Les Granits” Saint-Joseph Blanc 2020, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A single-terroir expression of Marsanne grown on steep granite slopes in the Saint-Joseph appellation near Tournon. The granite soils contribute to the wine’s pronounced structure and mineral backbone. Fermentation occurs partly in vats and partly in large wooden barrels, followed by lees aging.

Aromas & Flavors
Floral aromatics dominate with honeysuckle, lily, and white blossoms, layered with mineral notes, beeswax, honey, and subtle spice.

Mouthfeel
Powerful yet precise. The granite soils give the wine strong structure and tension while maintaining balance and elegance.

Food Pairings
Lobster, roasted poultry, creamy mushroom dishes, truffle risotto, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A structured and age-worthy Saint-Joseph Blanc with remarkable minerality and complexity.

🍷 Personal Pick
This wine twisted my brain upside down in the best way possible. The floral opening and persistent honeysuckle notes create a beautifully structured yet dangerously delicious wine.
— 12 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

M. Chapoutier “De L’Orée” Ermitage Blanc 2021, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
One of Chapoutier’s most celebrated single-vineyard Marsanne wines, sourced from very old vines (60–70 years) in the Les Murets parcel. The ancient alluvial soils contribute immense concentration and depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Intensely aromatic with citrus, acacia, caramel, ripe orchard fruit, and floral undertones, layered with toasted nuts and subtle spice.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, powerful, and incredibly complex with remarkable length and precision.

Food Pairings
Lobster, scallops, foie gras, roasted poultry, or rich cream-based dishes.

Verdict
A monumental expression of Hermitage Blanc that demonstrates the extraordinary potential of old-vine Marsanne.

🍷 Personal Pick
My absolute favorite of the lineup. This single-vineyard Hermitage shows the firepower of old vines with stunning depth and complexity, easily among the best Marsanne ever tasted. Phenomenal.
— 12 days ago

Michael Phillips

9.1

Mature and drinking very well now. Smooth and some nice dark fruit — 3 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.4

Clear, deep gold in color; on the nose, it's clean with pronounced primary, and tertiary aromas of bruised apples, apricots, and honey; on the palate, it's dry with high acidity, medium body, medium alcohol, and pronounced intensity primary and secondary flavors of lemon rind, pears, saline, and cream with a long finish. This wine is complex and intense. It has a bitter taste that is a little out of balance. Overall, I rate this wine as very good. Nellie doesn't like it. — 2 months ago

with Nellie

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

M. Chapoutier “Chante-Alouette” Hermitage Blanc 2021, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A benchmark Hermitage Blanc made from Marsanne sourced from multiple parcels including Le Méal and Les Murets. The soils combine clay, limestone, and decomposed granite, contributing both richness and tension.

Aromas & Flavors
Complex and layered with quince, acacia honey, almond, ginger, and delicate floral tones. Hints of walnut and spice emerge with air.

Mouthfeel
Rich yet balanced with vibrant tension. The palate shows remarkable depth with a long, textured finish.

Food Pairings
Lobster, foie gras, roasted poultry, truffle dishes, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A sophisticated Hermitage Blanc that showcases the complexity and longevity of Marsanne from this legendary hill.

🍷 Personal Pick
A horse of a different color, deeply complex and cerebral. The nutty, honeyed character balanced by vibrant tension makes this a fascinating and thought-provoking wine. — 12 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.8

M. Chapoutier “Le Pavillon” Ermitage Rouge 2011, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A legendary single-parcel Hermitage Syrah from the Le Pavillon vineyard, planted on granite soils with vines averaging more than 65 years old. Production is extremely limited, with only a few thousand bottles produced.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, raspberry, smoke, licorice, and dark chocolate with subtle notes of spice and tobacco.

Mouthfeel
Deep, powerful, and velvety with extraordinary structure and aging potential.

Food Pairings
Game meats, lamb, venison, or slow-braised beef.

Verdict
One of the most iconic Syrah expressions of Hermitage, combining power, precision, and immense aging potential.

🍷 Personal Pick
An incredibly subtle yet deeply structured Syrah that reminded me why tasting great wines is such a joyful experience. Sophisticated, intense, and beautifully balanced without ever becoming overwhelming. The aging potential is extraordinary.
— 12 days ago

Mark S.

9.0

Deep cherry red with violet. Unfiltered like edge. Meaty. Oak vanilla clove nutmeg. Chocolate nuance. Complexity. Cinnamon. Black pepper. Fruitiness M + Sweetness M Acidity M Tannin M+ Smooth Bitterness M+ Body M Finish M Elegant 13% M. Chapoutier Les Arenes Cornas Syrah 21 @8800, AD, 260214 — a month ago