Hermitage Blanc Chante Alouette, Maison M. Chapoutier 2021

Just bottled three weeks before this tasting, the 2021 Hermitage Chante-Alouette Blanc is all Marsanne that was brought up in 65% demi-muids and the balance in stainless steel. It's not going to match the 2020, but don't let that stop you, it has textbook Hermitage character and is medium-bodied, balanced, has integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's still tight and slightly reserved (no doubt due to its recent bottling) but offers impressive stone fruit, quince, and honeyed minerality, the purity and freshness of the vintage, and a great finish. It should benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar and drink brilliantly over the following 10-15 years. (Drink between 2025-2040)

From a vintage that has proved very successful for the region's white wines, Chapoutier's 2021 Hermitage Chante-Alouette features aromas of beeswax, almond skin, melon and tangerine. It's medium-bodied, round, concentrated, nicely balanced and harmonious, with a long, citrusy finish.