Chapoutier   Ermitage Cuvee de lOree

2011 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree

By Chapoutier

2011 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree from Chapoutier, Rhone

The 2011 vintage of the magnificent Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree from the house of Chapoutier is like a curated ode to Rhone's grandeur in a bottle. In stark contrast to the turbulent weather conditions that marked this year in most parts of Europe, the Rhone valley, with its characteristic temperate climate, provided an optimum growing season for the grapes and resulted in a vintage that was considered one of the best from this region.

 

A Connoisseur's Delight: Celebrating the resplendent Rhone

The 2011 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree from Chapoutier epitomizes masterful craftsmanship and meticulous precision. As any fine wine investor would attest, it's such exquisite renditions that make Rhone wines an exciting venture.

The wine's first impression is mesmerising. The radiant golden hue speaks volumes about its ageing potential while seductive notes of honeysuckle, quince, and apricot tantalise the olfactory senses. A sip reveals quintessential Old World depth with a creamy richness balanced by a vibrant minerality signalling the terroir of Ermitage.

 

The Chapoutier Signature: Brilliance in Every Drop

This vintage is more than an example of the producer's prowess; it celebrates Chapoutier's dedication towards organic viticulture that continues to strengthen investor confidence. In terms of flavour profile, ripe pears and white peach amalgamate effortlessly with ginger spice nuances adding a layer of complexity that is distinctively Chapoutier.

A subtle buttery roundness from deft oak aging leaves an unforgettable imprint on one's palate - a signature of quality that investors look for when selecting wines for long term rewards.

A perfect expression of 2011’s temperate climate in the Rhone valley and the skilled artisans of Chapoutier, this wine is a testament to a vintage that transcends time, making it an exceptional addition to any fine wine portfolio.

Elegantly presented and imbued with the traditions of its terroir, the 2011 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree is a stellar representation of Rhone's finesse wrapped in a tale of man's love for viticulture.

Unveiling Liquid Gold: A Wine Investment Gem

For those who savour the impressive returns from patient wine investment, the 2011 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree enjoys not only immediate drinkability but also long-term ageing potential. Much like Rhone's serene landscapes, this compelling vintage brings an element of calm and assuredness to any discerning investor's portfolio. Here's raising a glass to the profundity of Rhone and the phenomenal craftsmanship of Chapoutier!

Current market price

$2,720.00

12x75cl

Highest score

99

POP score

85.79

Scores and tasting notes

99

Even better and always one of the top whites in any given vintage, the 2011 Ermitage Cuvee de l’Oree (first produced in 1991) comes from 80+-year-old Marsanne vines planted in the Les Murets lieu-dit. Gorgeously full-bodied and impeccably put together on the palate, with awesome texture and richness that’s framed by vibrant acidity, it boasts off the hook aromas and flavors of flower oil, buttered citrus, dried pineapple and powdered rock. It will be even better in another year, and age pretty much forever. As I’ve said before though, there is no harm in drinking these beauties in their youth. This was an incredible tasting with Michel Chapoutier and his second hand man, Pierre-Henri Morel. Certainly one of the success stories in wine, which Robert Parker does a fabulous job of detailing in Issue 204, this estate goes from strength to strength in just about every appellation in the Rhone Valley. Looking specifically at Hermitage, Chapoutier owns a massive 64 acres, mostly on the famed Bessards lieu-dit, yet also with significant portions on Le Meal, L’Ermite and Les Greffieux, with smaller portions in the Beaume and Murets lieux-dits. From this he fashions five reds (Monier De La Sizeranne, Les Greffieux, Le Meal, Le Pavillon and L’Ermite) and four whites (Chante Alouette, Cuvee de l’Oree, Le Meal Blanc and L’Ermite Blanc), all of which are brilliant wines, with the best ranking up alongside the top wines in the world. In addition, his Saint Josephs (Les Granits and Le Clos) are some of the leading wines of the appellation (along with Guigal’s Vignes de l’Hospice and a few others), and his Cote Rotie La Mordoree, which comes from his 12 acres (split between the roughly defined Cote Blonde and Cote Brune regions), is always a classic example of the appellation. I was also able to taste through a full lineup of his Languedoc and Roussillon releases, all of which were impressive. I’ll review those wines in my 2014 coverage on those regions. Looking at the 2011 whites, these were all tasted by Robert Parker last year, but since I tasted through the lineup, I opted to include reviews here as well. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 29 December 2013

Vintage performance