2012 Hermitage Blanc Chante Alouette
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Tasting notes
Vivid gold. Aromas of ripe peach, melon and honey are lifted by zesty mineral and lemon pith notes. Fleshy, broad and dry, offering intense orchard and pit fruit flavors complicated by suggestions of iodine and smoky minerals. A floral note appears on the very long, sappy finish, which also features a sneaky note of bitter orange pith.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
A wine reviewed last year, the 2012 Hermitage Chante Alouette comes from three separate parcels on Hermitage Hill; Meal, Les Murets and Chante Alouette. I rated it identically this go around, but it's such a fabulous wine I decided to include it again. White peach, white flowers, honeysuckle, brioche and tropical notes all emerge from this stunning white, and while it's not cheap, it represents a smoking value. Don't miss it.
Vivid gold. Spicy lemon pith and pear aromas are complemented by notes of anise and white pepper. Tight and dry in the mouth, offering zesty citrus fruit flavors and subtle smokiness. Finishes smooth and spicy, with very good length and building minerality.
Marsanne. A more reductive, tense style than most and arguably more appetising. Racy and well balanced. (JR)