Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2019 vintage. Last tasted 1.29.23 (9.3) and 4.7.22 (9.2). Starting to mellow out a bit after 3.5 years and beginning to develop secondary flavors like caramelization and peach pit notes. 10.17.26. — 12 days ago

Tareyn

10

Special housewarming wine from Dr Blease. Enjoyed with mom and sisters after dress shopping for tris — a month ago

Doug Powers

9.8

Dark purple color, looks and smells like a 10-year-old wine, smoke, black fruits, and some tarry notes I’ve never encountered in Hermitage (?), big, rich, very structured and tannic, super long finish, will it ever mature during my remaining lifetime, staggeringly GREAT Hermitage!! — 2 months ago

with Jim

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.7

Stunning. A total textural bomb, still very young but surprisingly accessible and open, which is the nature of 2020. Complex dark berry fruit, the sweetest, most velvety tannins, and that granitic edge only elite Hermitage gets. Powerful, deep and gorgeous. — 4 months ago

John Pavlovich

9.3

Deep ruby/purple/burgundy in colour, dense and well built wine, ready to drink. Solid and well balanced. It took a while to open up, better on the 2nd day. — 7 months ago

Jean-Phillippe Landry

9.1

Fantastic! — a year ago

Austin Hohnke

8.9

Pains me to say this bottle was on its way out. Very dry cork and low fill. Not sure about storage. Completely tertiary with dried florals and meaty bacon and salami tones. Silky palate, but just missing a step. Came back to the glass thinking “maybe now, maybe this time,” and it wasn’t to be. Birth year. — 3 days ago

Douglas Braun

9.3

2016 - Vintage - red rim but still very youthful , boysenberry fruit , savory, cured meats, Stoney , medium to medium plus acidity very balanced - epitomized Hermitage — a month ago

with Mark

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.3

Really good. Super Syrah. Balanced with good acidity and fruit. — 3 months ago

Amy

9.0

from spirited gourmet- very savory- got pepper and sausage — 4 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

8.9

Pretty decent for an 02 — 6 months ago

Harvey Raben

9.6

Still strong with bramble fruit herbal characteristics that flow into a long finish. For a 43 year old this is spectacular example of Syrah in the northern Rhône. Complexity without off flavors from aging. — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

M. Chapoutier “Chante-Alouette” Hermitage Blanc 2021, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A benchmark Hermitage Blanc made from Marsanne sourced from multiple parcels including Le Méal and Les Murets. The soils combine clay, limestone, and decomposed granite, contributing both richness and tension.

Aromas & Flavors
Complex and layered with quince, acacia honey, almond, ginger, and delicate floral tones. Hints of walnut and spice emerge with air.

Mouthfeel
Rich yet balanced with vibrant tension. The palate shows remarkable depth with a long, textured finish.

Food Pairings
Lobster, foie gras, roasted poultry, truffle dishes, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A sophisticated Hermitage Blanc that showcases the complexity and longevity of Marsanne from this legendary hill.

🍷 Personal Pick
A horse of a different color, deeply complex and cerebral. The nutty, honeyed character balanced by vibrant tension makes this a fascinating and thought-provoking wine. — 8 months ago

Loren Gesinsky

9.6

Wow. 25 years on this is still incredibly complex and delicious, balancing an unctuous and somewhat oily richness with all kinds of primary,!secondary, and tertiary notes. — 13 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.6

Such a great wine that was groups favorite — 22 days ago

William Lauder

9.4

Still drinking well. Great expression of a Rhone — 2 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.3

Papas gaucho — 4 months ago

Rufus King

9.1

Rich French red blend, served on Viking Danube cruise — 7 months ago

Tegan Marriott

9.4

Viva la Rhone, et Magnifique! — 7 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Opened prior to dinner. The 2009 “Le Méal” Blanc pours a light gold color with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine was initially a bit reductive but that eventually gave way to ripe peaches, passion fruit, a mix of white and yellow flowers, beeswax, almonds, minerals and there was also a wild note of Bandaid with Neosporin (you can’t make this up). On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The alcohol is high but balanced. Drink now with patience through 2039. — 7 months ago