M. Chapoutier Ermitage L'Ermite Blanc 2021

The 2021 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc was tasted one month prior to bottling, hence the parenthetical rating. Scents of crushed stone accent notes of apricot, pineapple and lime on the nose, while the palate is medium to full-bodied. In the mouth, this is straight, almost severe; it tells you when to jump and how high, with zesty, briny notes lingering long on the finish.

The clear standout of the whites from Chapoutier in 2021 is the 2021 Ermitage L'Ermite Blanc, a vibrant, concentrated, yet chisel and focused Hermitage Blanc. Subtly reductive notes of orange blossom, sappy flowers, almond paste, and a liquid rock-like minerality all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a beautifully balanced mouthfeel, and a great finish. Aged 90% in demi-muids (25% new) and 10% in tank, it deserves 3-4 years of bottle age and will evolve nicely over the following 10-15 years.