2014 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc
By Chapoutier
2014 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc from Chapoutier, Rhone
Meticulously crafted by the hand of master winemaker Michel Chapoutier, the 2014 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc graces the palate with a whisper of genius. A true homage to its pedigree and the robust terroir of Hermitage Hill, it encapsulates a distinct resonance with the 2014 growing season that pulls constant intrigue.
The unique charm of an unwavering vintage
Sitting high and mighty within the viticultural sanctuary of Rhone, Chapoutier has persistently honed an intuitive sense for wine craftsmanship. Yet, it was the multitude of climatic challenges juxtaposed against serene periods that established 2014 as an outlier. This unpredictability has ascertained Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc as a testament to survival and resilience.
The wine greets you with an alluring bouquet of white flowers, stone fruit, and undertones of honeyed almond. The texture brags a certain je ne sais quoi of velvety creaminess perfectly balanced with notable acidity - a true feature of the cooler 2014 vintage condition.
Investing in the timeless appeal
From an investment perspective, the 2014 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc stands out in its covert ability to mesmerise with its progressive subtlety. The wine's capacity to age gracefully speaks volumes about its investment potential leading one to anticipate a more profound complexity over time.
Admiring this vintage’s genetic code will reward your senses. The transfixing blend, predominantly Marsanne, is masterfully crafted; hints of pear, quince and roasted pineapple are enlivened by subtle nuances of crème brûlée and smoked nuts. Minerality steps forward as the wine breathes, adding yet another sensory dimension.
2014 - A Charmingly Unconventional Star
Undeniably, part of the appeal of this wine is how it goes beyond the general characterisations, presenting a beautiful enigma that commands pause and makes for passionate conversations. The 2014 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc is a fascinating embodiment of the Chapoutier craft and the quirks of the 2014 season but most importantly, it is a reminder that uniqueness is an asset worth investing in.
As you let this wine disclose its coded messages sip after sip, perhaps there will be a moment of enlightenment - a savoured relishing of how one wine can express so much about life, time, and nature's whimsical canvases in the art of viticulture.
Market price (SGD)
$9,620.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
288
Scores and tasting notes
The wine of the vintage (and I’ll include all the wines of the northern Rhône, red and white in that grouping) is the 2014 Ermitage l’Ermite Blanc. Always made from 100% Marsanne that comes from the granite soils of the l’Hermite lieu-dit, it was aged 11 months in 25% new demi-muids before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Its medium-gold color is followed by a heavenly bouquet of liquid rock, hazelnut, caramelized pineapples, stone fruits and quince. Thick, unctuous, full-bodied, thrillingly pure and laser focused with a dry, blockbuster finish that just won’t quit, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring and will drink nicely over the following three or more decades.
Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 30 December 2015