2001 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc
By Chapoutier
2001 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc from Chapoutier, Rhone
The 2001 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc from the acclaimed estate of Chapoutier serves as an ethereal testament to the profound mastery of Rhone white winemaking. In the capable hands of the Chapoutier family, this vintage embodies the uncanny blend of refinement and raw power that this legendary appellation is known for.
A harmonious expression of terroir and craftsmanship
This particular vintage stands proud as a singular ambassador for white Rhone, revealing its unique hydro-geological footprint with every sip. A vineyard plot touched by favourable climatic conditions in 2001, the Ermite Blanc’s perfect sun aspects and unique granitic soil composition manifested in a wine that is both structured and luxuriant, making it an assuredly attractive addition for any wine investment portfolio.
The 2001 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc from Chapoutier transports its drinker on a sensorial journey along the steep Rhone terraces, with layers of pear and chamomile bouquets reminiscent of a blossoming Provençal garden.
A Benchmark vintage for the region
In many ways, the weather pattern in 2001 provides resonances in this enthralling elixir. The notably cool summer perhaps is echoed in the deft acidity and tension found within the jaunty structure of this wine. This contrast of warmth and coolness unfolds elegantly on the palate with a seductive dance of rocky mineral interlaced with ripe quince, honeycomb and brioche notes.
Throughout its evolution in octaves from nose to finish, this wine remaining resolute in its vibrant intensity yet complex in its depiction of nuanced granitic accents; a true homage to the superb terroir from which it was birthed.
The 2001 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc from Chapoutier represents the epitome of Rhône white, delivering a performance capable of captivating even the most discerning oenophiles and investors alike, reinforcing its standing as one of the most compelling investment prospects in the fine wine prism of opportunity.
Current market price
$6,310.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
236.25
Scores and tasting notes
The 2001 Ermitage l’Ermite is aged in demi-muids on its lees with malolactic in the barrel, considerable lees stirring, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Displaying a liqueur of nut-like character along with hints of lychees, orange blossoms, and citrus oils in its pure, intensely mineral-styled personality, it is a prodigious effort that will have to take a back seat to the singular/remarkable 2000 l’Ermite. The 2001 should be at its finest between 2008-2030. These uncompromising offerings from a young genius are not meant for consumers who want something to drink immediately. They are the essence of bio-dynamically farmed vineyard sites cropped incredibly low, given extended fermentations with indigenous yeasts, and rarely touched until they go into the bottle unfined and unfiltered. In most vintages, the wines are not even racked off their lees, which only adds to their natural style. These are truly remarkable wines, but for most readers, patience is the operative rule as they generally need a good 8-10 years to strut their stuff. Once moribund, over the last 12 years, this firm has become one of the reference points for nearly all the Rhone Valley appellations since the brash yet immensely talented Michel Chapoutier took over in the late eighties. The single vineyard offerings are as good as Rhone Valley wines can be. Moreover, Chapoutier continues to upgrade the quality of those wines offered in more significant quantities than the 500 or so cases each of the single vineyard offerings. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2003