2018 Hermitage Le Chevalier de Sterimberg
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Tasting notes
There hasn't been a La Chapelle Blanc since 2014, as Caroline Frey hasn't found that special lot that warrants such an exalted designation. Fans of her whites have to make do with wines like the 2018 Hermitage Blanc Le Chevalier de Sterimberg. A blend of two-thirds Marsanne and one-third Roussanne, made mainly in concrete eggs but with a few 600-liter demi-muids in the mix, it offers up aromas of toasted cashews alongside ripe pear, melon and even peach. Medium to full-bodied, it's lush in the mouth—generous but structured, with a long, long finish of citrus and stones.
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
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A blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne, the 2018 Hermitage Le Chevalier De Sterimberg Blanc is a vibrant, racy white offering impressive intensity in its apple blossom, crushed citrus, salty mineral, and white flower-like aromas and flavors. A touch more honey and spice notes emerge with time in the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a nicely concentrated, elegant style, and a great finish. This cuvée under the helm of Frey always leans towards the fresher, more elegant end of the spectrum, yet her 2018 has impressive richness, moderate fat and opulence, and is going to evolve for 20 years or more.
Diaphanous gold. Expressive, mineral-tinged orchard and pit fruits on the highly perfumed nose, with floral and lemon curd nuances building in the glass. Shows very good depth as well as energy to the sappy, mineral-accented tangerine, Anjou pear and honey flavors, which steadily tighten up through the midpalate. The floral element comes back on the lively, focused finish, sweetened by a discreet honey accent.
This is two-thirds marsanne and one-third roussanne and it sees some demi-muid elevage. Very fresh, peach and pear aromas with a focused, ripe and juicy palate that wields glycerol and smooth fruit flesh. Long finish with pears, white peaches and melon. Very even. Drink or hold.