2017 Ermitage Blanc de l'Oree
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Tasting notes
Pronounced beeswax, dried camomile, straw, dried honeysuckle and lemon peel aromas introduce the complex 2017 Ermitage Blanc De L'Orée. On the palate, it reveals a medium to full-bodied frame that feels effortless and invigorating, carried by a fine thread of acidity. Layers of dried linden blossom and hay emerge, adding depth and nuance as the wine opens. Crisp and impeccably balanced, the 2017 unfolds with focus and precision, drawing out a long, refined finish that underscores its compelling charm.
Critic scores
Average Score
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,384 g. 100% Marsanne from Les Murets in the east of the Hermitage hill on very old glacial alluvium, rich in red clay. Hand-picked in several stages. Light settling. Whole-cluster pressing, moderate use of sulphur. Fermentation mainly in demi-muids, casks (85%, including 10% new) and stainless steel vats (15%). Aged on lees for 11 months, with some bâtonnage. Pale apricot colour. Rich, satin-textured with a hint of ginger and lots of exotic floral notes (lilies?) Amazingly refreshing with a light note of bitterness at the end. Long and a peacock's tail finish. Really seductive. This may well last longer than I suggest. (JR)
Pale gold. Intense, sharply delineated aromas of fresh nectarine, pear nectar, orange, honey and pungent flowers, along with a smoky mineral overtone. Deeply pitched citrus and orchard fruit, peach liqueur and honeysuckle flavors stain the palate and become deeper with air, picking up a hint of toasted almonds and showing powerful back-end cut. The mineral and honey notes repeat emphatically on a strikingly long, focused finish that leaves juicy pear and floral notes behind.
The freshness and vibrantly focused style here is super impressive. A stony and flinty nose leads to notes of freshly baked bread crust, white peaches, lemons and grapefruit with nicely delivered oak spice and nuttiness. The palate has a very composed core with fine, powerful and focused flavors of peaches, pears and grapefruit and a minerally, focused, lightly spiced finish. Drink or hold.