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.
— 17 days ago

Serge Mismetti

9.2

Domaine Blaise Duboux Villette aoc Lavaux cuvée les murets chasselas white blend — 8 years ago

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. — 17 days ago

Nick Varacalli

9.5

Surprisingly tasty. Perfect for a warm spring day. — 10 years ago

Daniel M

8.9

Tangerine, tangerine zest,, some brioche notes (?), some elderflower flower touches too. It's not your typical riesling nose but it's quite interesting and appealing. The palate shows a good acid drive, some nice and pleasing mouthfeel, some tangerine and lemon curd touches, almost a sweet layer in the rear, before a long, rather fresh, tangerine forward finish. It went super well with sushis and especially against a pretty dark and salty soy sauce 👍🏻. — 2 years ago

AEL

9.0

A really nice cote rotie. Well balanced nose between fruit and soil/bark. Balance continues on the palate. Classy wine, worth the $60. Bottle #1 from Aunnie in Lyon. — 4 years ago

Gary Westby

Champagne & Sherry buyer K&L Wines

10

Our K&L Redwood City staff party at LB steak was fantastic- nothing smaller than magnum allowed! We started with mags of this single vineyard Champagne from the gouts d'or parcel in Brouillet, based on 2007. It was creamy and full without loosing its excellent snap and minerality! — 12 years ago

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