2006 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree
By Chapoutier
2006 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree from Chapoutier, Rhone
If the virtuoso Pierre-Henri Morel is the seasoned conductor, then the vibrant 2006 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree from Chapoutier is his perfectly eloquent symphony. Born of the grizzled terroirs of Rhone and nurtured by the fickle temperament of the 2006 climate conditions, this distinguished vintage earned its applause in a fascinating crescendo, seamlessly appealing to the serious wine investor.
An Amalgam of Complexity and Elegance
The winemaking wizardry in Chapoutier’s performance is vividly pronounced in this vintage. The 2006 season had painted Rhone with chillier nights than usual, an instrumental factor that coaxed an unprecedented vibrancy into the Marsanne grapes. The result? An enigmatic palette of tastes and aromas that make every sip of the Cuvee de l'Oree feel like a thrilling journey through an elegiac sonata.
A melodious duet of wild honey and acacia blossom seeps slowly into the senses, followed by the swift leap of layered fruity nuances - pear, apricot, quince - an unexpected pirouette that sets one's heart aflutter.
The Rhythm of Rhone - A Unique Resonance
Rhone vintages stand tall in their classical steadfastness amidst global vinous expressions. Underlaying the commanding weight and sensuality of this white Hermitage is a mineral backbone that vigilantly retains its restraint and tension. And it’s this paradoxical combination of richness juxtaposed with ethereal weightlessness that makes this vintage from Chapoutier a statuesque act in the world’s wine theatre.
The 2006 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree neither dominates nor retreats. Much like an adagio, it lingers; unveiling the ebbs and flows of its opulent narrative with measured grace.
This vintage aligns impeccably with strategic wine investment considerations; the rarity of perfect terroir-variety marriages, an assuring track record of longevity and an unwavering global demand render it one of Rhone's most compelling investment prospects.
In conclusion, the 2006 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree remains an affirming testament to Chapoutier's unwavering commitment: to etch ethereal oenological masterpieces from the canvas of Rhone’s cherished terroirs. For a discerning investor, this vintage stands as a monument to the harmonious alliance of taste, terroir, and time.
Market price (HKD)
HK$15,000.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
82.63
Scores and tasting notes
More tight and reserved than the open-knit Le Meal Blanc, the 2006 Ermitage Cuvee de l’Oree offers a heavenly bouquet of caramelized orchard fruits, celery seed, buttered hazelnuts, orange blossom and white flowers. Just crazy good on the palate, with full-bodied richness and a seamless, unctuous texture, it has incredible purity, precision and length, with this liquid rock-like minerality on the finish. It's just about as good as it gets, and while it's drinking great today, it should keep for 2-3 decades.
Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 28 February 2017