Hermitage

White Rhone wines can be so finicky, so when a friend opened this for his birthday, it was nice to see this was firing on all cylinders.  Earlier in the day while reading a book about the White House and Wine, it mentioned that Thomas Jefferson referred to White Hermitage as France's greatest white wine, and this bottle gave that some credence.  These wines are so unique when on that they are not for everyone.  It doesn't seem fair to group with Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc as they drink more like a red in that they are not crisp or refreshing or tart.  This one is golden in color, clear a

White Rhone wines are such a tricky thing to age.  This should have been great but alas, it wasn't.  It seemed dead on opening but eventually showed a bit of life, but not what one hopes for.  Deep gold in color.  The nose initially offers some cider notes but with air, some wax, almonds and maybe fresh apples.  Full bodied.  On the palate, not much at first but with some air, a bit of citrus and slight minerals.  Followed over tow hours or so, it just never really showed up.  It probably would pay to open early, let it breathe and if necessary, give it a decant.  If it opens up, re-cork un

White Rhone wines are certainly unique and this one, at age 30, is no exception.  I quite enjoyed it for what it offered.  Golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose is interesting with pears, Crème Brûlée, honey countered by a bit of oxidation and minerality.  Full bodied and quite rich.  On the palate, it has a deep complexity.  Some fruit; baked pears with layers of minerals and some oxidized apples (not in a bad way).  Long finish.  This was served with a Gazpacho and it worked well enough for a difficult pairing.  It seems like it will be at this level for a while longer, but it shou

Nice to try this on its own (not compared to its big brother).  Very crisp and refreshing.  What it might lack in depth it makes up for in energy.  Medium golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose has slight wax, peach, and slight white flower notes.  Medium to full bodied.  Lovely acidity.  On the palate, ginger, tangerine and peach with some minerality.  Nice finish.  This will drink well over the next ten to twelve years.  It worked very well with vegetarian spring rolls and chips and guacamole.  

This is an excellent wine, but consumed side by side with the regular bottling of the JL L'Hermitage Blanc, it does not have the power or concentration.  Medium golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose has slight wax, peach, vanilla and slight white flower notes.  Medium to full bodied.  On the palate, ginger, citrus with some minerality.  Nice finish.  This is not yet at peak and should have ten to twelve years left.  A nice match with hearty fish or non-meat pasta dishes.  

White Rhone's can be tricky to time as they age, but this was firing on all cylinders.  Medium golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose is great with wax, ginger, orange peel and floral notes.  Full bodied.  On the palate, this is deep and complex.  the ginger and orange peel carries thru but its the minerality that really stands out.  Enough acidity but not a lot.  Long finish.  Delicious wine that keeps improving with air.  It demands attention.  This drinks well on its own and will work well with spicy foods.  Still youthful, this should last another twenty five years with no problem

Purchased off a store shelf, pop and pour.  Inky purple in color.  The nose has black raspberries, charcoal, a slight floral note and with air some roasted meats.  On the palate, this is leaner bodied.  Slight tannins.  Black raspberry fruit with some earthiness.  The wine is drinking well already and doesn't seem like it will get much better.  It is very good right now though.  It will work great with stews and casseroles.  Drink over the next five to seven years.  

Beautiful showing for this thirty-one year old wine.  While I don't think it will get better, it still has plenty of life left.  Garnet in color, clear and bright.  The nose is earthy with cherries, slight funk and a bit of dried fruits.  On the palate, layers of black raspberry fruit, earth and slight funk.  Deep and complex.  Enough youth and acidity to keep things interesting.  This is at peak.  It will work better with food at this point.  Roasted meats and vegetables, stews but also Indian food would be great.  Should easily last another ten years if well stored.  

OK, this one surprised me and exceeded my expectations.  This is again what Chave calls their negociant line but they do own the vineyards.  It is about one fifth the price of the Estate Hermitage.  I am not sure what I was expecting but those expectations were low considering the above and that 2014 was not a great year in the Northern Rhone.  Well, this wine was delightful.  It may not make three decades, but for the next decade, this is an awesome Syrah.  Purple in color.  The nose is great with black raspberries, violets, black pepper and slight barnyard.  Medium tannins.  On the palate

2015 was a wionderful vintage in the Rhone.  Also from his Negociant line of wines (although Chave owns the vineyards for these too).  Great showing for this wine, it will undoubtedly open and close often over the next twenty or so years, but beautiful at the moment.  Light golden in color.  The nose shows vanilla, slight peach and white floral notes.  This is a big full bodied wine.  On the palate showing slightly bitter (in a good way) earthiness, apricots, slight lemons and white pepper.  Nice acidity (for Marsanne).  Long finish.  This wine is mostly Marsanne.  This wine has a nice dept