Rhone Valley

The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is 100% Grenache, but this parcel is located on the western edge of the appellation, in what Chapoutier describes as a hot, dry location—even in the context of the appellation. From vines planted in 1901-1902, this is a dense, plummy wine, oozing with concentrated fruit and even turning…

At the top end of Chapoutier’s Southern Rhône hierarchy are the two sélections parcellaires from Châteauneuf du Pape. I had a slight preference for the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois, which comes from the Bédarrides (eastern) side of the appellation, a site with galets roulés over clay, which Chapoutier says resists drought. This…

89-92 The deep ruby/purple-colored 2001 Cote Rotie La Mordoree is more dense, tannic, and earthy than its 2000 counterpart. Possessing additional structure as well as an undeniably backward character, this is a medium to full-bodied offering with the classic grilled meat, tapenade, herbal concoction found in many Cote Roties. With a sweet attack but a…

90-93 The more closed, dark ruby/purple-colored 2007 Cote Rotie La Mordoree exhibits tart acidity as well as a cooler, greener mouthfeel. Notions of bay leaf, green olives, black cherries, incense, and licorice are found in this pure, rich 2007. While outstanding, it is less impressive than the 2006, but it, too, should evolve for 15+…

From a rocky, mica-schist lieu-dit that’s only recently been showing up on single-vineyard wines, Chapoutier’s 2017 Cote Rotie Neve is a bold, full-bodied and powerful example of the appellation. Blueberry and boysenberry fruit is couched in rich, velvety tannins, followed by a long, lingering finish. Impressive. Country: France Region: Rhone Valley Appellation: Cote Rotie Size:…

Chapoutier’s 2018 Cote Rotie Neve features stunning scents of violets, purple raspberries and cassis. It’s full-bodied, rich and creamy-textured in the mouth, turning silky on the finish. Concentrated but elegant, it showcases the amazing potential of the Neve lieu-dit. Country: France Region: Rhone Valley Appellation: Cote Rotie Size: 750ml Color: Red Varietal Syrah Known as…

As in 2016, my favorite of the white parcel selections this year is the 2017 Ermitage l’Ermite Blanc (231 cases produced), as it perfectly balances richness and power with refinement and structure. Toasted brioche and citrus marmalade, honey and truffle notes deliver sheer full-bodied, mouth-filling decadence, supported by austere notes of crushed granite, zesty grapefruit…

As in 2016, my favorite of the white parcel selections this year is the 2017 Ermitage l’Ermite Blanc (231 cases produced), as it perfectly balances richness and power with refinement and structure. Toasted brioche and citrus marmalade, honey and truffle notes deliver sheer full-bodied, mouth-filling decadence, supported by austere notes of crushed granite, zesty grapefruit…

Even more rich and concentration – and quite possibly the best white wine I’ve ever tasted – the 2009 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc l’Ermite is an unquestionably monumental wine that will stand up to any white wine in the world today! A blend of 100% Marsanne, from a tiny 3.7 acre site at the top…

Another perfect wine is the 2015 Ermitage le Meal Blanc. The most decadent, unctuous and layered in the lineup, with to-die-for notes of white currants, toasted nuts, celery seed and licorice, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a huge mid-palate and a refreshing, pure, yet blockbuster finish that just won’t quit. If I had…