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. — 11 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

M. Chapoutier “De L’Orée” Ermitage Blanc 2021, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
One of Chapoutier’s most celebrated single-vineyard Marsanne wines, sourced from very old vines (60–70 years) in the Les Murets parcel. The ancient alluvial soils contribute immense concentration and depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Intensely aromatic with citrus, acacia, caramel, ripe orchard fruit, and floral undertones, layered with toasted nuts and subtle spice.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, powerful, and incredibly complex with remarkable length and precision.

Food Pairings
Lobster, scallops, foie gras, roasted poultry, or rich cream-based dishes.

Verdict
A monumental expression of Hermitage Blanc that demonstrates the extraordinary potential of old-vine Marsanne.

🍷 Personal Pick
My absolute favorite of the lineup. This single-vineyard Hermitage shows the firepower of old vines with stunning depth and complexity, easily among the best Marsanne ever tasted. Phenomenal.
— 15 days ago

Jordin Page

9.3

Delicious - cherry and rose petal. Easy to drink yet interesting. Don’t love a lot of gamays but this one is great. — 2 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. — 15 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

M. Chapoutier “Monier de la Sizeranne” Hermitage Rouge 2020, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A classic Hermitage Syrah sourced from several parcels including Les Bessards, Le Méal, and Les Greffieux. The vineyards combine granite and clay soils that give the wine both structure and richness.

Aromas & Flavors
Raspberry, blackberry, and cassis are complemented by black pepper, licorice, and subtle smoky notes.

Mouthfeel
Elegant yet structured with concentrated tannins and a long, spicy finish.

Food Pairings
Venison, roasted beef, duck, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A refined Hermitage Syrah that captures the balance of power and elegance characteristic of the appellation.

🍷 Personal Pick
A beautifully structured Hermitage Syrah that showcases the depth and elegance of the appellation with impressive balance and complexity. — 15 days ago

Gustavo

9.8

Maria Victória — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.8

M. Chapoutier “Le Pavillon” Ermitage Rouge 2011, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A legendary single-parcel Hermitage Syrah from the Le Pavillon vineyard, planted on granite soils with vines averaging more than 65 years old. Production is extremely limited, with only a few thousand bottles produced.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, raspberry, smoke, licorice, and dark chocolate with subtle notes of spice and tobacco.

Mouthfeel
Deep, powerful, and velvety with extraordinary structure and aging potential.

Food Pairings
Game meats, lamb, venison, or slow-braised beef.

Verdict
One of the most iconic Syrah expressions of Hermitage, combining power, precision, and immense aging potential.

🍷 Personal Pick
An incredibly subtle yet deeply structured Syrah that reminded me why tasting great wines is such a joyful experience. Sophisticated, intense, and beautifully balanced without ever becoming overwhelming. The aging potential is extraordinary.
— 15 days ago

David Koenen

9.3

Best vintage so far imho. Lemon zest, citrus bitters, white flowers, fresh cut grass. Ripe ‘n zippy stuff. Beautiful! — a month ago

Andrea Watt

9.4

Oak, chocolate, and leather. Big, rich, and full. — 2 months ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Fruity nose with black fruits, cedar, tobacco and chocolate notes.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and very fruity on the palate with blackberries, black currants, plums, cooked cherries, spices, cedar, vanilla, leather, earth, chocolates, tobacco, coffee, cola, licorice and bitter herbs.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and cherries.

This 12 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley is drinking deliciously now. Rich and extracted, and 'In your face' kind of wine.

Fruit forward and good right out of the bottle, but would have been even better after a couple of hours of airtime, but it finished way too quickly.

Showing nice complexity with a soft mouthfeel.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.

A great sipping wine that will pair nicely with a big piece of steak.

A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot. 924 cases produced.

14.6% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$150. — 2 months ago