2023 Hermitage Blanc

A beautiful white in the vintage, the 2023 Hermitage Blanc checks in as a blend of 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne, aged predominantly in new French oak. It has a pure, vibrant nose of tart peach, quince, and melon as well as some minty, floral, and mineral nuances. Playing in the medium-bodied end of the spectrum, it has a fresh, lively, nicely balanced mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. Drink bottles over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035. Founded in 1990 by Philippe Belle and his father Albert, Domaine Belle is based in Larnage and farms 31 hectares across six communes in the Northern Rhône. The domaine's Hermitage holdings lie in the Les Murets and Diognières lieux-dits, both on the more eastern side of the appellation. The Hermitage Rouge is made from 100% Syrah, fermented in stainless steel with some whole cluster, and aged 18 to 26 months in 50% new French oak. The Hermitage Blanc is a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, vinified and aged in a mix of new French oak and stainless steel for 10 to 12 months. In Crozes-Hermitage, Belle produces multiple cuvées, including Les Pierrelles, Roche Pierre, and Cuvée Louis Belle, all from 100% Syrah and typically aged in oak barrels of varying age. The whites come from Marsanne and Roussanne grown on clay-limestone and stony soils and are aged in a mix of oak and stainless steel. The Saint Joseph Les Rivoires, from the Les Rivoires lieu-dit outside of Tournon, sees 18 months of élevage in oak barrels (30% new, 30% once-used, 40% two years old). Philippe Belle has led the estate since 2003, and their Hermitage Rouge (and Blanc) continues to be one of my personal favorites in the appellation.