Chapoutier   Ermitage lErmite Blanc

2016 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc

By Chapoutier

2016 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc from Chapoutier, Rhone

An opulent yet refined offering from the ancient Rhone vineyard slopes of l'Hermitage, the 2016 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc from Chapoutier is a symphony of richness underpinned by an invigorating tension.

 

Reaping the rewards of a superior vintage

The 2016 vintage in the Northern Rhone was under the patronage of Mother Nature herself. A generous winter and spring rain was followed by a warm summer giving ideal conditions for balanced ripening of the Marsanne grapes. The result is a wine of rare depth and longevity.

This harmonious Rhone White bears all the hallmarks of Chapoutier's careful stewardship of this prestigious terroir, reflecting a deep connection with the land and a nuanced understanding of its unique character. It showcases the potency and elegance that discerning investors associate with this venerated producer.

 

A serenade to the senses

From the first swirl to the lingering finish, the 2016 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc enchants with its vibrant intensity. Each savor provides lyric notes of ripe quince and white peach harmonized by wisps of delicate honeysuckle and brioche. This essence is lifted by a surprisingly airy acidity that lends freshness and vitality - an inimitable signature of this spectacular vintage.

The wine excels on the palate too, offering a taste profile as rich as its bouquet might suggest—the well-integrated oak cradling the opulence of fruit, all tied together by quivering minerality. It is a testament to the virtuosic winemaking at Chapoutier.

 

An investment for the ardent connoisseur

The 2016 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc from Chapoutier represents the quintessence of terroir expression and precision winemaking. Given its potential for further evolution and profound complexity, it stands to become a beacon for collectors and investors alike. This singular investment piece beckons connoisseurs looking for not only considerable return upon cellaring but also an enriched wine appreciation journey.

Profound, majestic, yet exceedingly elegant, the 2016 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc illuminates the potency of Chapoutier's winemaking prowess intertwined with the exceptional 2016 Rhone vintage - a diamond in the glittering crown of any discerning wine portfolio.

Current market price

$7,850.00

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

261.11

Scores and tasting notes

98

My favorite of the white Hermitages, the 2016 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc boasts aromas of gently toasted marshmallow and ripe pear. It's full-bodied and generous, with a rich, grainy texture balanced by brine and zest notes. While it can be enjoyed now, my feeling is that it will get better over the next decade, then drink well for at least another decade after that.

Joe Czerwinski - The Wine Advocate, 29 December 2017

Vintage performance