2019 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree
By Chapoutier
The 2019 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree from Chapoutier, Rhone
At the pinnacle of the Rhone region's emblematic offerings, the 2019 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree, skillfully conjured up by the esteemed Chapoutier estate, stands alone. This wine does more than merely stand the test of time; it becomes an enchanting story of its epoch.
A Symphony of Sublime Maturity
For discerning wine investors, this 2019 rendition is a spellbinding fusion of tailored vintage expressiveness and exemplary terroir-driven charisma. As one sips, Chapoutier's commitment to biodynamic viticulture is very much apparent. The resulting manifestation is a wine abundant in both stability and complexity.
The symphony commences with an inviting nose. Honeyed pear and quince presage a rich tale, whilst mineral notes whisper promises of the generous Rhone granite terroir.
The Deliverance of Refinement
The 2019 vintage was gracious to the Rhone Valley - the balancing act of a reasonable yield and climatic harmony let the stage for this compelling varietal to shine through in its most treasured form: Marsanne.
You'll taste how judicious aging has sculpted this Marsanne's bright acidity into something smoother. Yet, it remains crisp enough to carve through the richer flavors of baked apple, almond blossom, and a long finish that sings with beeswax.
A Narrative Cast in Spectacular Stone
Every sip of the 2019 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree unravels a narrative cast in spectacular stone. The time-softened minerality whispers vibrant tales of ancient alluvial deposits, and each flavour wave lifts the veil another chapter of Rhone's illustrious terroir tale.
The crescendo thus glows theatrically on the palate, with its smooth, full-bodied richness continued into a tantalizingly persistent aftertaste. A wine of this caliber is not merely consumed but experienced intimately - a sensory journey marked by the nuances of a vintage imbued with personality.
From the Cellar to Prosperity
In the world of fine wine investments, gems like the 2019 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree from Chapoutier hold its raison d'etre within their cellar-worthy potential. Here lays an opportunity for patient investor-connoisseurs to watch a narrative-rich creation mature further into complex magnificence, growing value as it does timelessly in poise and depth.
Market price (USD)
$1,280.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
75
Scores and tasting notes
I confess to being a bit disappointed by the showing of the 2019 Ermitage de l'Orée, a 100% Marsanne selection from the Les Murets lieu-dit. I know, 94 points is an excellent rating, but the wine seems just a little too marked by bitter orange notes which rein in the potential richness. It should become more expansive and generous on the palate over the years, but for now, this medium to full-bodied version of Hermitage is struggling to fully express the power and warmth of the vintage, despite being labeled at 15% alcohol. Ripe melon, pineapple and hints of tangerine zest round out the flavor profile, lingering broadly on the finish.
Joe Czerwinski - The Wine Advocate, 13 May 2021