Le Chevalier de Sterimberg Blanc Hermitage Marsanne Roussanne

In 2017, “Chevalier de Sterimberg” was Jaboulet’s top Hermitage Blanc since no “La Chapelle” Blanc was made. Popped and poured; served just below cellar temp and enjoyed over the course of an hour. The wine pours a light gold with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the 2017 is still developing with notes of pear, orange marmalade, lemon, stone fruit, honeydew, honey, chamomile and granite minerals. On the palate, I’m getting more than expected acid which I would rate at medium. The finish is long and has surprising (and welcome!) minerality. This has matured very well in the last few years (this is better than my previous bottle) and I expect it will continue to do so through 2032. This was a sublime pairing with our annual seafood boil.

Juicy and elegant. Great acids and depth. Very pure.

Lots of perfume and spice. Some marshmallow. A little boozy. Maybe a bit closed.

2016 vintage. The Jaboulet whites seem to have improved spectacularly under the Caroline Frey reign, as demonstrated by this amazing 2016. Light golden colour. Intense complex perfume of quince, pear, pineapple and lemon confit,intertwined with floral and mineral notes. In the mouth it is powerful and refined at the same time, with layers of fruit and spices, balanced by an attractive almondy bitterness. Impressively long mineral finish. Abv. 14%.

2020 vintage. Wow! Beautiful aromatics with tangerine, peach, lemon confit ,flowers and a stony minerality. Layers of ripe white fruits, balanced by a tight acidic backbone and an impressively long mineral finish. Irresistible now, but this should age beautifully for at least 20 years. Abv. 13%.

This edition of the Chevalier de Sterimberg is so mineral with an not insignificant acidity that makes it almost unrecognizable as Roussanne/Marsanne. Rock dust and unripe fruits, which relax over 24 hours and lead in to aromas of pineapple, sweet citrus and guava. The palate is deceptively massive, disguised by the brightness of the wine.

Juicy, waxy, mineral and spicy. Pineapple. Honeyed, with an incredible spice and tartness. So honeyed and delicious, but the acid and minerality provide unreal dimension.

That was fun. Took its time to open up. Seemed a bit oxidized on open but that changed fairly quickly.

Limpid yellow-gold. Mineral-accented aromas of dried pear, lemon pith, succulent herbs and honey are given spicy lift by a gingery nuance. Chewy and sharply focused on the palate, offering densely packed orchard and pit fruit flavors and hints of chamomile and anise. The mineral note comes back strong on an impressively long, penetrating finish that shows fine definition and solid thrust. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, May 2020)

Popped and poured; served slightly chilled. I wanted to try one of these in their youth so I can track development. At this stage, everything is very primary and rather simple...but there’s a lot of potential. In the glass, this is a beauty to behold; appearing the dance in the glass. At this stage in development, it’s all melons (think cantaloupe) and pastilles. The finish is long and waxy which I find typical of young Marsanne and Roussanne. Decent acid and minerality. Time will tell if these can develop into something much more interesting but it’s a very good wine for now. I will try again in 2027.