France · Rhone · Northern Rhone · Hermitage White · Still · wine-wine · 1109733
Lowest offer: 512.05 HKD (Buy)
Offers: 6 · Bids: 0
| Price / case | Vintage | Packing | Qty | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3350.00 HKD | 2007 | 1 x 6L | 1 | hk / Hong Kong |
| 459.80 GBP | 2012 | 6 x 75cl | 1 | uk / United Kingdom |
| 7900.20 HKD | 2013 | 12 x 75cl | 1 | hk / Hong Kong |
| 285.00 GBP | 2015 | 1 x 3L | 8 | uk / United Kingdom |
| 154.00 GBP | 2017 | 1 x 1.5L | 8 | uk / United Kingdom |
| 6144.60 HKD | 2021 | 12 x 75cl | 3 | hk / Hong Kong |
No active bids.
| Vintage | Packing | Offers | Bids | Market price | WA rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 12 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 94 | |
| 2006 | 12 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 7982.04 | 93 |
| 2006 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 3991.02 | 93 |
| 2007 | 1 x 6L | 1 | 0 | 94 | |
| 2008 | 12 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 3410.40 | 90 |
| 2008 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 1705.20 | 90 |
| 2011 | 12 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 8151.00 | 95 |
| 2011 | 6 x 1.5L | 0 | 0 | 5959.83 | 95 |
| 2011 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 4075.50 | 95 |
| 2012 | 12 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 6687.60 | 94 |
| 2012 | 6 x 75cl | 1 | 0 | 3343.80 | 94 |
| 2013 | 12 x 75cl | 1 | 0 | 8441.52 | 93 |
| 2013 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 4220.76 | 93 |
| 2014 | 12 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 8084.16 | 94 |
| 2014 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 4042.08 | 94 |
| 2015 | 1 x 3L | 0 | 0 | 95 | |
| 2015 | 12 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 95 | |
| 2015 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 95 | |
| 2016 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 2786.40 | 92 |
| 2017 | 1 x 1.5L | 0 | 0 | 94 | |
| 2017 | 12 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 6177.36 | 94 |
| 2017 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 3088.68 | 94 |
| 2018 | 12 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 5900.76 | 95 |
| 2018 | 6 x 1.5L | 0 | 0 | 5900.76 | 95 |
| 2018 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 2950.38 | 95 |
| 2019 | 12 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 5169.24 | 93 |
| 2019 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 2584.62 | 93 |
| 2020 | 12 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 5710.92 | 91 |
| 2020 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | 2855.46 | 91 |
| 2021 | 12 x 75cl | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2021 | 6 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | ||
| NV | 1 x 75cl | 0 | 0 | ||
| NV | 3 x 75cl | 0 | 0 |
Rating: 91 –91
Aromas of blackberries, sweet cherries and licorice preface the 2020 Chante Alouette, a medium-bodied, ample and fleshy wine that's supple, suave and seamless. This charming, gourmand Saint-Emilion is the first vintage produced by the young Antoine d'Arfeuille.
Rating: 92 –94
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 Chante Alouette bursts from the glass with notes of wild blueberries, chocolate-covered cherries and baked plums, plus touches of garrigue, licorice and violets. The medium-bodied palate reveals a beautifully elegant, graceful style, featuring loads of fragrant black and blue fruit layers with a satiny texture and just enough freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Simply gorgeous!
Rating: 92 –92
Chapoutier's blended Hermitage blanc is the 2020 Hermitage Chante-Alouette, which was bottled at the end of August 2021. Almost entirely Marsanne, it boasts scents of gently toasted marshmallow, pear and citrus on the nose. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied and less concentrated than the selections parcellaires wines, but it’s charming and nicely focused, finishing long, vibrant and refreshing.
Rating: 93 –93
Blended from the lieux-dits of Les Murets, Le Méal and the loess portion of L'Ermite, the 2019 Hermitage Chante-Alouette is a ripe, rich wine marked by notes of toasty oak, pear, pineapple, melon and citrus. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky in feel across the mid-palate, then long and zesty-briny on the finish. It can be consumed young or after a decade of cellaring.
Rating: 93 –95
The 2018 Hermitage Chante-Alouette is ripe and custardy in feel, with plenty of richness that's balanced by ample freshness. Hints of citrus, melon and white peach mingle easily on the nose and palate, offering a lovely introduction to white Hermitage.
Rating: 94 –94
The blended white Hermitage—the 2017 Hermitage Chante-Alouette—is a terrific wine this year, maybe the best I've ever tasted. Honeyed pear and citrus notes lead into a full-bodied, brassy-hued wine with a rich, velvety texture. It's lush, broad and mouthfilling, with a long, harmonious finish. While delicious now, expect it to close up within another year or two, only to reopen once it hits about age ten.
Rating: 92 –92
A blend of estate-owned parcels aged three-quarters in oak and one-quarter in stainless steel, the 2016 Hermitage Chante-Alouette is a rich, almost sweet-tasting example of Hermitage. It's powerful and bold, bursting with honey and tangerine aromas and flavors, then is balanced by hints of brine and citrus zest on the lengthy finish.
Rating: 95 –95
The finest vintage for this cuvée I’ve ever tasted, the sensational 2015 Hermitage Chante Alouette boasts awesome notes of white peach, orange marmalade and white flowers in a rich, full-bodied, concentrated style. Coming from three different terroirs on Hermitage Hill (Méal, Les Murets and Chante Alouette), don’t miss it!
Rating: 94 –94
A year in, year out blockbuster, the 2014 Hermitage Chante-Alouette comes from a mix of parcels on Hermitage hill and is 100% Marsanne; it spent ten months in 65% demi-muids (two- and three-year-old barrels) and 35% stainless steel tanks. Offering fabulous notes of buttered citrus, honeysuckle and a hint of pineapple, this medium to full-bodied, incredibly pure, elegant and seamless beauty opens up nicely with time in the glass, has building richness and a rock star finish. Don’t miss it.
Rating: 93 –93
Always a serious value, the 2013 Hermitage Chante Alouette shows the focused, pure and mineral-laced style of the vintage, yet still packs plenty of fruit. Giving up ample tangerine, buttered citrus, almond and mineral-water qualities, it's medium to full-bodied, has excellent richness and a beautifully balanced, pure, clean feel. Drink it over the coming decade or more.
Rating: 94 –94
A worthy follow-up to the stunning 2011, the 2012 Ermitage Chante Alouette is a knockout effort that boasts tons of mineral-laced stone fruits, tangerine and honeysuckle to go with a medium to full-bodied, textured, yet laser-focused feel on the palate. A classic Hermitage Blanc, it should not be missed. This was an incredible tasting with Michel Chapoutier and his second hand man, Pierre-Henri Morel. Certainly one of the success stories in wine, which Robert Parker does a fabulous job of detailing in Issue 204, this estate goes from strength to strength in just about every appellation in the Rhone Valley. Looking specifically at Hermitage, Chapoutier owns a massive 64 acres, mostly on the famed Bessards lieu-dit, yet also with significant portions on Le Meal, L’Ermite and Les Greffieux, with smaller portions in the Beaume and Murets lieux-dits. From this he fashions five reds (Monier De La Sizeranne, Les Greffieux, Le Meal, Le Pavillon and L’Ermite) and four whites (Chante Alouette, Cuvee de l’Oree, Le Meal Blanc and L’Ermite Blanc), all of which are brilliant wines, with the best ranking up alongside the top wines in the world. In addition, his Saint Josephs (Les Granits and Le Clos) are some of the leading wines of the appellation (along with Guigal’s Vignes de l’Hospice and a few others), and his Cote Rotie La Mordoree, which comes from his 12 acres (split between the roughly defined Cote Blonde and Cote Brune regions), is always a classic example of the appellation. I was also able to taste through a full lineup of his Languedoc and Roussillon releases, all of which were impressive. I’ll review those wines in my 2014 coverage on those regions. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 94 –94
A wine reviewed last year, the 2012 Hermitage Chante Alouette comes from three separate parcels on Hermitage Hill; Meal, Les Murets and Chante Alouette. I rated it identically this go around, but it's such a fabulous wine I decided to include it again. White peach, white flowers, honeysuckle, brioche and tropical notes all emerge from this stunning white, and while it's not cheap, it represents a smoking value. Don't miss it.
Rating: 95 –95
Possibly the finest cuvee of this wine I have ever tasted, the stunning, rich 2011 Ermitage Chante Alouette comes from three separate parcels on Hermitage Hill (Meal, Les Murets and Chante Alouette) and reveals plenty of white currant, buttered citrus, tangerine oil and honeysuckle along with hints of such exotic fruits as mango. It is a full-bodied, Montrachet-styled, dry white. In November of this year, Michel Chapoutier finally made the cover of The Wine Spectator. The accompanying article said essentially the same things I had written about over twenty years ago. More importantly, I am thrilled that Chapoutier received this attention because it has long been deserved. History will record that Michel Chapoutier is a revolutionary. He is also a highly emotional man whose infectious love of primitive art, historic books, classical music and, of course, terroir and winemaking are seemingly impossible to harness. Michel Chapoutier was among the first in France to embrace the radical biodynamic agricultural teachings, for which he was initially criticized, but is now praised. He was also the first to print all his labels in Braille, something that cynics considered to be a gimmick, but ask the National Association for the Blind what they think. Coming from a famous family, but moving in a direction unlike any of its previous members, Michel Chapoutier is self-taught. What he has accomplished over the last two decades or more is one of the great wine stories of the modern era. With all his outgoing, boisterous, machine-gun-speed prose that can sometimes sound shockingly cocky, and at other times reminiscent of the famous Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran, there is never a dull moment around Chapoutier., who makes comments such as “Filtering wine is like making love with a condom,” and “Acidifying wine is like putting a suit of armor on the vineyard’s terroir, vintage character and the cepage.” Don’t blame him if his brilliant intellect and shocking vocabulary put his visitors on the defensive. Michel Chapoutier has proven through his genius, the faith of his convictions and backbreaking attention to detail in his vineyards and in the winery that a once moribund negociant (yet with significant vineyard holdings) could become a beacon of inspiration and quality for the entire world. In short, every wine consumer in the world should admire his accomplishments. All of Chapoutier’s lower level 2010 whites and basic reds have long been sold out, so to keep the tasting somewhat limited during my visit, we focused on the more recently released 2010 white and red selections parcellaires and nearly all the 2011s. As for the 2010 selection parcellaire whites, they are spectacular. Le Pavillon, once called Rochefine and owned by Jaboulet-Verchere, consists of 10 acres of pure granite in the famed Les Bessards, which is considered by many to be the single greatest terroir of Hermitage. The Ermitage Le Pavillon, which is meant to age for 50+ years, is Michel Chapoutier’s legacy, and he is confident that history will support his belief in this extraordinary wine. Michel Chapoutier is not alone in believing the 2011s may resemble a more modern day version of 1991. That vintage was largely underrated by just about everybody (except yours truly) because all the accolades and hyperbole were largely bestowed on both 1989 and 1990 (deservedly), but in the Northern Rhone 1991 turned out to be a strikingly superb vintage for Cote Rotie, Hermitage, Cornas and Condrieu. In the Southern Rhone, the vintage was largely a disaster. Following is an overview of what to expect with the inexpensive 2011 whites and reds. Most of these wines do not have the weight, power or tannic structure of the 2010s, but they are by no means diluted or wimpish wines. They tend to be charming, fruit-forward and seductive, and thus may be preferred by consumers looking for immediate gratification. Although the first few wines reviewed are Southern Rhones, they need to be covered because they are in bottle, and I did not review them in issue 203. Along with several other producers, Michel Chapoutier has helped increase the world’s attention to the long-forgotten, microscopic appellation of St.-Peray. Chapoutier produces a bevy of St.-Perays under his own name as well as in partnership with two three-star chefs, Sophie Pic, of the Restaurant Pic in Valence (as well as several culinary branches in Paris and Lausanne, Switzerland), and Yannick Alleno, the brilliant chef at the Hotel Le Meurice’s in Paris. The red 2011 selections parcellaires are already fruit-forward and seductive. Readers should love them as they are much more evolved than the more structured, powerful, dense, tannic 2010s. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 92 –94
The 2010 Ermitage Chante Alouette, which is the largest production cuvee of white Ermitage from Chapoutier (there are several thousand cases of this, in contrast to the other cuvees) is one of his strongest efforts to date. Notes of white flowers, honeysuckle, wet rocks and chalk, as well as quince and white peach, are all present in this deep, full-bodied wine, which has great fruit and a more forward accessibility than the other Ermitages. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. (Not yet released) As I have written many times, all of these wines are produced from rigidly cultivated, bio-dynamically managed vineyards. That has been the rule since Michel Chapoutier first took over this firm in the late 1980s. Now, with over 20 years of biodynamic viticulture under his belt, Chapoutier remains committed to this rather radical style of organic farming. He believes the effect is to reduce rot in damp, rainy vintages. Moreover, he has observed that after 10 to 15 years of biodynamic farming, the natural acids tend to be more vivid and the overall pH of the soils (as well as the wines) has dropped. Controversial, outspoken and brutally candid, Chapoutier, who suffers no fools, continues to admirably produce wines that are among the finest in the world and potentially the longest lived. Refusing to acidify, chaptalize, or touch the wines in any way, he clearly wants every wine to capture the very essence of its terroir and vintage personality. In this, he succeeds remarkably. No one has made more effort in resurrecting the once-forgotten backwater appellation of St.-Peray than Michel Chapoutier. Working in conjunction with the famed Michelin three-star restaurant family, the Pics, Chapoutier has produced a sensational 2010 Gamme Pic and Chapoutier St.-Peray, and the first single-vineyard St.-Peray, the 2010 Lieu-Dit Peyrolles St.-Peray, which is one of the greatest St.-Perays I have ever tasted. This appellation is all steep hillside vineyards planted in pure, decomposed granite soils, not dissimilar from Hermitage, but they are located on the other side of the Rhone, facing the city of Valence. The single-vineyard wines, or selections parcellaires, 2010 whites are absolutely amazing, with production levels ranging from 300 to 700 or 800 cases of each cuvee. These wines are for true connoisseurs, as they are expensive and meant for long, long evolutions, but they capture the essence of a vintage and terroir as well as any wines in the world. As for the selections parcellaires of 2010 reds, Chapoutier likes this vintage almost as much as 2009, but feels it is very different, emphasizing more acidity and minerality, whereas 2009 is a combination of pure power, concentration and great potential longevity. Michel Chapoutier considers the 2009s, which are all in bottle, to be among the greatest wines he has ever produced, equaling his finest wines of 2006, 2003, 1999, 1990 and 1989 (his debut year). Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 92 –94
Perhaps the finest example of this cuvee I have yet tasted, the full-bodied 2009 Ermitage Chante Alouette exhibits notes of almond paste, creme brulee, crushed rocks, white flowers, quince and citrus oil. It is an impressive deep, full-bodied, layered white to enjoy over the next decade. Absolutely prodigious are the three single vineyard white Hermitages, Le Meal, l’Ermite and Cuvee de l’Oree. They are the quintessence of a great Marsanne and three specific sites. (Not yet released) Other extraordinary efforts readers should be watching for include the 2009 Bila Haut Lesquerde, a Syrah dominated wine that I scored in the upper-90s. Equally as profound, but made from a completely different blend is the Bila Haut Cotes du Roussillon Villages La Tour de France, which is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. Both of these offerings are as remarkable as wine can be. From Australia, some wines to take note of include the Domaine Tournon 2009 Shiraz (or Syrah), an outstanding red sold at a fair price, and his single vineyard offerings the 2009 Shiraz Shays’ Flat and the 2009 Shiraz Landsborough, both extraordinary, mid-90 point Syrahs from Victoria. Also, readers should not forget his 2009 La Pleiade M45, a Syrah from the Cambrian soils of Heathcote. An Australian wine that flirts with perfection, which I had never tasted before, is the 2009 Shiraz One Shot from Beechworth, which is like a liqueur of blueberries and raspberries intermixed with graphite, tar and minerality. Other stunning offerings from Domaine Terlato and Chapoutier include the 2009 Shiraz Malakoff (rated 92-94) and the 2009 Shiraz L Block (rated 93-95+). Last, but not least, Michel Chapoutier has entered the Portuguese wine arena, producing two extraordinary wines from a 5-hectare parcel in the Douro. The 2009 Touriga Nacional (rated 94-96) comes from pure schist soils. It reveals incredible floral notes intermixed with sweet blueberry, black raspberry and cassis. As amazing as it is, it may be surpassed by the 2009 Touriga Nacional Pinteivera from Pinhao. It is undeniably the single greatest red Portuguese wine I have ever tasted. It, too, is from schist soils. Both of these wines are remarkable efforts from what may be the world’s leading, irreverent genius in winemaking and winemaking philosophy. And one more thing about the remarkable Michel Chapoutier, he now has property in Alsace, Domaine Schieferkopf. I tasted a 2009 Riesling (rated 89), 2009 Riesling Buehl (rated 93), and 2009 Riesling Fels (rated 94). All are very dry, crisp, medium to full-bodied Rieslings from the Andlau sector of northern Alsace. These remarkable whites come from schist soils and Chapoutier has again demonstrated his Midas touch with a completely different varietal. Michel Chapoutier is firmly convinced that 2009 is the greatest vintage in his lifetime, which means 2009 surpasses 2003 (he made some great wines in that unusual vintage), 1999, 1990 and 1989 (his debut vintage after taking over the firm). These wines are all produced by bio-dynamically farmed vineyards. Moreover, there is no chaptalization or acidification, and as Michel Chapoutier says, he wants to capture each vintage in photographic detail. It is also important to recognize Chapoutier’s life philosophy, which, rather than being obsessed with correcting one’s faults, is dedicated to capitalizing on one’s strengths. For all of his charm and bravado, Chapoutier is the quintessential man of the soil, a true terroiriste dedicated to producing the most vivid, natural and unadulterated expressions of the many different vineyards with which he works. While 2009 was a perfect year of extraordinary concentration as well as freshness, the 2008 vintage experienced huge rainstorms on September 5, 6 and 8. However, Chapoutier argues that while his bio-dynamically farmed vineyards suffered from some dilution, they had no sanitary problems like many other estates endured. Certainly his 2008s appear to be among the strongest efforts in a disappointing vintage in the Northern Rhone. One expects Chapoutier to excel with his four Hermitage vineyards (Le Pavillon, l’Ermite, Le Meal and Les Greffieux). Tasting through the 2009s reinforces the belief that this is one of the all-time great vintages for the entire Northern Rhone Valley. It couldn’t happen at a better time. While certain 2003s are great, there really hasn’t been an overall consistently profound vintage in the Northern Rhone since 1990. Connoisseurs should be stocking up on the single vineyard offerings, both white and red, which are spectacular. Michel Chapoutier makes a bevy of other wines that merit a few notes because they are so good. Even though they are not from my areas of responsibilities, I thought I would mention a few that stood out when I tasted with him. Like an itinerant genius, Chapoutier has projects in Australia, Portugal and southern France. I and my colleague David Schildknecht have written about his exquisite offerings from the Cotes du Roussillon under the label Domaine de Bila Haut, and his partnership with the Laughton family for his Agly Brothers Cotes du Roussillon rouge. These wines all merit attention from consumers. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 90 –90
The 2008 Ermitage Chante Alouette, which is now aged in equal parts tank and neutral wood, reveals a light gold color in addition to notions of pears, quince and white currants in its medium to full-bodied, surprisingly rich, concentrated personality. This is a strong dry white from a vintage where the white wines appear to have been more successful than the reds. Other extraordinary efforts readers should be watching for include the 2009 Bila Haut Lesquerde, a Syrah dominated wine that I scored in the upper-90s. Equally as profound, but made from a completely different blend is the Bila Haut Cotes du Roussillon Villages La Tour de France, which is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. Both of these offerings are as remarkable as wine can be. From Australia, some wines to take note of include the Domaine Tournon 2009 Shiraz (or Syrah), an outstanding red sold at a fair price, and his single vineyard offerings the 2009 Shiraz Shays’ Flat and the 2009 Shiraz Landsborough, both extraordinary, mid-90 point Syrahs from Victoria. Also, readers should not forget his 2009 La Pleiade M45, a Syrah from the Cambrian soils of Heathcote. An Australian wine that flirts with perfection, which I had never tasted before, is the 2009 Shiraz One Shot from Beechworth, which is like a liqueur of blueberries and raspberries intermixed with graphite, tar and minerality. Other stunning offerings from Domaine Terlato and Chapoutier include the 2009 Shiraz Malakoff (rated 92-94) and the 2009 Shiraz L Block (rated 93-95+). Last, but not least, Michel Chapoutier has entered the Portuguese wine arena, producing two extraordinary wines from a 5-hectare parcel in the Douro. The 2009 Touriga Nacional (rated 94-96) comes from pure schist soils. It reveals incredible floral notes intermixed with sweet blueberry, black raspberry and cassis. As amazing as it is, it may be surpassed by the 2009 Touriga Nacional Pinteivera from Pinhao. It is undeniably the single greatest red Portuguese wine I have ever tasted. It, too, is from schist soils. Both of these wines are remarkable efforts from what may be the world’s leading, irreverent genius in winemaking and winemaking philosophy. And one more thing about the remarkable Michel Chapoutier, he now has property in Alsace, Domaine Schieferkopf. I tasted a 2009 Riesling (rated 89), 2009 Riesling Buehl (rated 93), and 2009 Riesling Fels (rated 94). All are very dry, crisp, medium to full-bodied Rieslings from the Andlau sector of northern Alsace. These remarkable whites come from schist soils and Chapoutier has again demonstrated his Midas touch with a completely different varietal. Michel Chapoutier is firmly convinced that 2009 is the greatest vintage in his lifetime, which means 2009 surpasses 2003 (he made some great wines in that unusual vintage), 1999, 1990 and 1989 (his debut vintage after taking over the firm). These wines are all produced by bio-dynamically farmed vineyards. Moreover, there is no chaptalization or acidification, and as Michel Chapoutier says, he wants to capture each vintage in photographic detail. It is also important to recognize Chapoutier’s life philosophy, which, rather than being obsessed with correcting one’s faults, is dedicated to capitalizing on one’s strengths. For all of his charm and bravado, Chapoutier is the quintessential man of the soil, a true terroiriste dedicated to producing the most vivid, natural and unadulterated expressions of the many different vineyards with which he works. While 2009 was a perfect year of extraordinary concentration as well as freshness, the 2008 vintage experienced huge rainstorms on September 5, 6 and 8. However, Chapoutier argues that while his bio-dynamically farmed vineyards suffered from some dilution, they had no sanitary problems like many other estates endured. Certainly his 2008s appear to be among the strongest efforts in a disappointing vintage in the Northern Rhone. One expects Chapoutier to excel with his four Hermitage vineyards (Le Pavillon, l’Ermite, Le Meal and Les Greffieux). Tasting through the 2009s reinforces the belief that this is one of the all-time great vintages for the entire Northern Rhone Valley. It couldn’t happen at a better time. While certain 2003s are great, there really hasn’t been an overall consistently profound vintage in the Northern Rhone since 1990. Connoisseurs should be stocking up on the single vineyard offerings, both white and red, which are spectacular. Michel Chapoutier makes a bevy of other wines that merit a few notes because they are so good. Even though they are not from my areas of responsibilities, I thought I would mention a few that stood out when I tasted with him. Like an itinerant genius, Chapoutier has projects in Australia, Portugal and southern France. I and my colleague David Schildknecht have written about his exquisite offerings from the Cotes du Roussillon under the label Domaine de Bila Haut, and his partnership with the Laughton family for his Agly Brothers Cotes du Roussillon rouge. These wines all merit attention from consumers. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 92 –94
The 2007 Ermitage Chante Alouette is a bold, exuberant, full-bodied, fresh effort that does not possess the minerality and nuttiness found in the 2006. Nevertheless, it, too, is a top-notch white. (Not yet released) While Michel Chapoutier produces some of the world’s greatest wines from single parcels of old vines spread throughout the northern and southern Rhone (see my ecstatic reviews of his 2007 and 2006 Chateauneuf du Papes in issue #179), he also has an impressive portfolio of value-priced wines that are often over-looked when this impressive producer is discussed. Following are some top-notch picks that all sell for exceptionally fair prices. Chapoutier has not achieved as great as success in Cornas as he has in the other northern Rhone appellations, although his Cornas wines get better with each vintage. There are four extraordinary single vineyard white wines, all of which are among the greatest dry white wines of the world. While all of them can be drunk young, they are meant for extended cellaring. Made from very small yields, they represent the essence of a varietal as well as a vineyard site. As the following notes demonstrate, 2006 was one of the greatest vintages for white wines at Chapoutier. The single vineyard selection parcellaire red wines range in production from 500 to nearly 1,000 cases. 2007 is a very good vintage for these selections, but 2006 has an edge. It is reminiscent of 1996 because of the wines’ freshness and acid levels, but Chapoutier’s 2006s are even more concentrated than his 1996s. Chapoutier’s four 2006 cuvees of single vineyard Hermitage are exquisite. Most of the yields were between 10 and 20 hectoliters per hectare, and the wines are extravagantly rich. The 2006 and 2007 luxury cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape Croix des Bois and Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac were reviewed in issue #179. They are all astounding wines, especially in 2007 Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 95 –95
The 2006 Ermitage Chante Alouette has the vintage’s aromatics, zesty underlying acidity that serves to buttress the enormous richness, and notes of liquified flowers, rocks, and licorice. In both vintages, around 1,400-1,500 cases of Chante Alouette were made, as it is his biggest cuvee of white Ermitage. With twenty vintages under his belt, Michel Chapoutier and his impressive winemaking staff go from strength to strength. These are among the world’s greatest wines, especially the single vineyard wines, many of which will last 50 or more years. Chapoutier thinks 2006 is one of the very finest vintages in the northern Rhone for white wines (and I don’t see any reason to disagree). The naturally high acidity and a summer season with no brutal heat waves allowed the wines to maintain their acidity while at the same time gaining flavor intensity. I have always had the feeling that despite his prodigious ability to make profound red wines, Michel Chapoutier gets a greater thrill from his white wine portfolio than from his impressive reds. . The single vineyard wines from Chapoutier are wines of super concentration, and are made from what are historically tiny yields. Along with Chaves’ white Hermitage and a handful of other Rhone whites, these are potentially the longest-lived and most profound whites being produced there. From the granite hillsides of St.-Joseph, Michel Chapoutier makes by far the appellation’s finest white, and one might argue, red as well. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 93 –93
One of the top successes for Chapoutier is his sensational white wine, the 2006 Ermitage Chante Alouette. One of the finest examples of this cuvee he has yet made, this wine possesses tons of glycerin, an oily texture, and huge, rich, marmalade and buttery notes intermixed with notions of white currants and quince. A full-bodied, intense, dry white, it is meant to be consumed with intensely flavored cuisines. It should evolve for 10-15+ years. While Michel Chapoutier produces some of the world’s greatest wines from single parcels of old vines spread throughout the northern and southern Rhone (see my ecstatic reviews of his 2007 and 2006 Chateauneuf du Papes in issue #179), he also has an impressive portfolio of value-priced wines that are often over-looked when this impressive producer is discussed. Following are some top-notch picks that all sell for exceptionally fair prices. Chapoutier has not achieved as great as success in Cornas as he has in the other northern Rhone appellations, although his Cornas wines get better with each vintage. There are four extraordinary single vineyard white wines, all of which are among the greatest dry white wines of the world. While all of them can be drunk young, they are meant for extended cellaring. Made from very small yields, they represent the essence of a varietal as well as a vineyard site. As the following notes demonstrate, 2006 was one of the greatest vintages for white wines at Chapoutier. The single vineyard selection parcellaire red wines range in production from 500 to nearly 1,000 cases. 2007 is a very good vintage for these selections, but 2006 has an edge. It is reminiscent of 1996 because of the wines’ freshness and acid levels, but Chapoutier’s 2006s are even more concentrated than his 1996s. Chapoutier’s four 2006 cuvees of single vineyard Hermitage are exquisite. Most of the yields were between 10 and 20 hectoliters per hectare, and the wines are extravagantly rich. The 2006 and 2007 luxury cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape Croix des Bois and Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac were reviewed in issue #179. They are all astounding wines, especially in 2007 Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 92 –95
The 2005 Ermitage Chante Alouette may turn out to be as good but is obviously much more backward and playing it closer to the vest. While it may ultimately match the quality of the 2004, it will also be a longer term wine because of its more restrained, closed style, but this is clearly of the quality of the single vineyard white Ermitages from Chapoutier. It is another expressive wine with hints of white currants, acacia flowers, hazelnuts, and honeysuckle. The wine has fabulous fruit, terrific acidity, powerful mouthfeel yet is light on its feet because of the vintage’s zesty acidity and structure. This wine should age nicely for 15-20+ years if not longer. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 94 –94
Chapoutier’s biggest production cuvee is his Chante Alouette, and the 2005 Ermitage Chante Alouette exhibits terrific notes of marzipan/almond, and honeyed citrus. It boasts great acidity with a terrific finish loaded with hints of acacia blossom and marmalade. This is a big wine that should drink well young, go through a weird stage, and then re-emerge 10 or so years down the line. With twenty vintages under his belt, Michel Chapoutier and his impressive winemaking staff go from strength to strength. These are among the world’s greatest wines, especially the single vineyard wines, many of which will last 50 or more years. Chapoutier thinks 2006 is one of the very finest vintages in the northern Rhone for white wines (and I don’t see any reason to disagree). The naturally high acidity and a summer season with no brutal heat waves allowed the wines to maintain their acidity while at the same time gaining flavor intensity. I have always had the feeling that despite his prodigious ability to make profound red wines, Michel Chapoutier gets a greater thrill from his white wine portfolio than from his impressive reds. . The single vineyard wines from Chapoutier are wines of super concentration, and are made from what are historically tiny yields. Along with Chaves’ white Hermitage and a handful of other Rhone whites, these are potentially the longest-lived and most profound whites being produced there. From the granite hillsides of St.-Joseph, Michel Chapoutier makes by far the appellation’s finest white, and one might argue, red as well. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 94 –94
Perhaps the best cuvee he has ever made of Ermitage Chante Alouette is the 2004, a fabulous vintage for the whites of the northern Rhone. This wine competes attractively with the single vineyard whites. The wine has wonderful notes of honeysuckle, licorice, quince, and white currants in an almost thick, juicy style yet buttressed by considerable acidity. It is a gorgeous wine with terrific intensity and richness. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 90 –93
The stunning, long 2004 Ermitage Chante Alouette is one of the finest examples of this cuvee yet produced. Aromas of hazelnuts, white currants, acacia flowers, and minerals are followed by a wine with superb intensity as well as full body. It is best consumed during its first 3-4 years of life.
Rating: 92 –92
The superb 2003 Ermitage Chante Alouette, cropped at a mere 15 hectoliters per hectare, was aged sur-lie in 100% new oak (which is not the least bit noticeable). It boasts tremendous amounts of honeysuckle, white currant, and liqueur of stone-like characteristics in the long, persistent flavors. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years, then forget about it for at least a decade. As I have said so many times over the last 15 years, the top Chapoutier wines are meant for very long term drinking, and are not designed for immediate gratification. Everything Chapoutier is doing, from his bio-dynamically farmed vineyard to tiny yields, extended fermentations, indigenous yeasts, and no fining or filtration, is done to produce the essence of a vineyard and a vintage. His track record since 1989 and 1990 admirably proves that these are indeed remarkable wines made by a young genius who refuses to compromise. Michel Chapoutier has been misunderstood by some of his peers, and there is a lot of jealousy when someone this young is so incredibly talented, but it is an irrefutable fact that these are wines of singular greatness as well as longevity. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 93 –93
The 2003 Ermitage Chante Alouette blanc is more honeyed than the 2004, and seemingly more fragile, but intense and full-bodied. It reveals notes of hazelnuts, honeysuckle, white currants, quince, and butter. This fat white should be drunk over the next 3-5 years.
Rating: 90 –92
The superb 2001 Ermitage Chante Alouette boasts unctuosity, thickness, richness, and minerality, along with flower, crushed oyster shell, iodine, honeysuckle, and orange/apricot aromas. It appears destined for 10-15 years of delicious drinking. Chapoutier feels the best food match for his white Ermitage is Indian curries. These uncompromising offerings from a young genius are not meant for consumers who want something to drink immediately. They are the essence of bio-dynamically farmed vineyard sites cropped incredibly low, given extended fermentations with indigenous yeasts, and rarely touched until they go into the bottle unfined and unfiltered. In most vintages, the wines are not even racked off their lees, which only adds to their natural style. These are truly remarkable wines, but for most readers, patience is the operative rule as they generally need a good 8-10 years to strut their stuff. Once moribund, over the last 12 years, this firm has become one of the reference points for nearly all the Rhone Valley appellations since the brash yet immensely talented Michel Chapoutier took over in the late eighties. The single vineyard offerings are as good as Rhone Valley wines can be. Moreover, Chapoutier continues to upgrade the quality of those wines offered in more significant quantities than the 500 or so cases each of the single vineyard offerings. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 88 –90
A bit bland on the nose, but the palate is very attractive: pears, peach and lychee. Quite rich and hedonistic with good acidity although it lacks the length that might have warranted a higher score. Drink from 2003 to 2008. Tasted March 2004.
Rating: 91 –91
The demi-muid-aged 2000 Ermitage Chante Alouette displays aromas of lychee nuts, apricot jam, peaches, and honeysuckle in its medium to full-bodied, powerful personality. As the wine sits in the glass, notions of nuts and fino sherry also emerge. It should drink well for 10-15 years. These uncompromising offerings from a young genius are not meant for consumers who want something to drink immediately. They are the essence of bio-dynamically farmed vineyard sites cropped incredibly low, given extended fermentations with indigenous yeasts, and rarely touched until they go into the bottle unfined and unfiltered. In most vintages, the wines are not even racked off their lees, which only adds to their natural style. These are truly remarkable wines, but for most readers, patience is the operative rule as they generally need a good 8-10 years to strut their stuff. Once moribund, over the last 12 years, this firm has become one of the reference points for nearly all the Rhone Valley appellations since the brash yet immensely talented Michel Chapoutier took over in the late eighties. The single vineyard offerings are as good as Rhone Valley wines can be. Moreover, Chapoutier continues to upgrade the quality of those wines offered in more significant quantities than the 500 or so cases each of the single vineyard offerings. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 92 –94
Michel Chapoutier, who is never at a loss for words, claims 2000 is the finest vintage for white wines that he has produced since he took over the firm in the late eighties. The strength of the 2000 Ermitage Chante Alouette would make anyone a believer. This is a sensational, full-bodied cuvee with an unctuous texture, gorgeous notes of smoky, leesy fruit, and a ripe nose of quinine, honeysuckle, pineapple, and fino sherry. The wine is loaded as well as long. It should keep for 20-25 years, and be delicious for 4-5 years before it closes down. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000
Rating: 90 –93
The 1999 Ermitage Chante Alouette exhibits a stony, liquid mineral characteristic with hints of petroleum, buttered citrus, and acacia. Full-bodied, deep, and viscous, with gobs of fruit and glycerin, this wine should drink well for 4-5 years, close down between the ages of 5-10, and then reopen with even more complexity and intensity. It should last for two decades. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000
Rating: 91 –91
While similarly-styled to the 2000, the 1999 Ermitage Chante Alouette is less voluminous and expansive. A tell-tale nose of mineral, chalk, white flowers, and honeyed citrus is followed by a powerful, concentrated wine with good acidity, distinctive liquid minerality, and a full-bodied, powerful finish. As this viscous, concentrated wine sat in the glass, Alsatian Riesling-like petroleum notes made an appearance. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000
Rating: 91 –91
The light gold-colored 1998 Hermitage Chante Alouette exhibits a huge bouquet of honeysuckle and floral scents. Intense and full-bodied, with superb purity and an underlying minerality, it should last for 10-15 years. My experience with Chante Alouette indicates readers should either drink them very young or wait 7-8 years for them to come out of their mid-life crises. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000
Rating: 91 –91
The superb 1998 Ermitage Chante Alouette is showing even better after a year of bottle age. A light gold color is followed by deep, concentrated notes of melted licorice, minerals, pineapple, quinine, and honey. It is a full-bodied, rich, dense offering to drink between now and 2005, cellar between 2005-2010, and drink again over the following 10-15 years. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-89000
Rating: 90 –90
Readers should be able to find the Burgundian-styled 1997 Hermitage Chante Alouette. It achieved 13.9% natural alcohol, and was aged in small barriques, of which one-third were new. It offers the tell-tale acacia flower, white peach, honeyed citrus character commonly found in top white Hermitage. Full-bodied, with good fat and glycerin, it is ideal for drinking over the next decade (although it will undoubtedly keep much longer). Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Rating: 87 –90
All of Chapoutier's 1996 white wines were made from small yields, and all possess more acidity than normal, but they are generally dominated by their respective terroirs. The 1996 Hermitage Chante Alouette (made from yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare) is extremely rich and powerful . It offers a honeysuckle-like nose reminiscent of Condrieu, along with pear-like flavors. The wine is medium to full-bodied, and lighter than the blockbuster 1995.
Rating: 92 –92
The 1995 Chante-Alouette exhibits a distinctive nose of lavender, honey, pineapples, and minerals. Broad and rich, yet remarkably fresh for its large-bodied size, this is a brawny, intense white Hermitage that, like the 1994, should last for a decade or more. Last tasted 6/96.
Rating: 93 –93
The powerful 1995 Hermitage Chante Alouette is a honeyed peach/pear, intensely-concentrated wine with terrific fruit, a chewy texture, long luscious flavors, and decent acidity for a wine of such power and intensity. Either drink it early, or put it away for 10-15 years.
Rating: 92 –93
Chapoutier produced great white Hermitage in both 1994 and 1995. The 1995 Hermitage Chante Alouette (not yet bottled) exhibits a distinctive nose of lavender, honey, pineapples, and minerals. Broad and rich, yet remarkably fresh for its large-bodied size, this is a brawny, intense white Hermitage that, like the 1994, should last for a decade or more. Michel Chapoutier is quick to say that 1995 is one of the all-time great vintages for the northern Rhone, and in particular for Chapoutier. He compares it with 1990, 1961, and 1947. He is also quick to see the problems that 1995 presented, and the fact that too many Rhone Valley producers followed the same pattern as in 1994. In the latter vintage, it was essential to harvest early, but in 1995 harvesting early only produced wines that were made from physiologically unripe fruit, with extremely high acidity. Chapoutier's top vineyards in Crozes-Hermitage, St.-Joseph, Cote Rotie, and Hermitage were harvested very late - in early October. He claims that in the five years that have passed since the great 1990 vintage, he is a far more talented winemaker as he "knew how to make noise in 1990, but now I know how to make music." Yields were tiny throughout all the estate vineyards, with most of the vineyards coming in under 20 hectoliters per hectare, and some of the top vineyards harvesting under a ton of fruit per acre. All in all, 1995 looks to be a sensational vintage for Chapoutier, with a number of extremely long-lived wines. Moreover, now that the 1994s have had some time in bottle, it can be said that 1994 is also a great vintage for this firm. Importer: Paterno Imports, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 247-7070
Rating: 91 –91
The 1994 Chante-Alouette (lot 6671) is superb, with a rich, cherry/pineapple/apricot-scented nose, unctuously thick, rich flavors, a liquid mineral character, and clean, fresh, full-bodied, honeyed flavors. Last tasted 6/96.
Rating: 89 –89
Young Michel Chapoutier continues to raise considerable controversy wherever he goes. His unequivocable belief in the principles of Bio-Dynamic farming and his youthful confidence, that may come across as arrogance and a display of too little respect for his more experienced and more elderly peers, have not made life easy for Chapoutier, despite the number of great wines he has produced. This is all lamentable given the fact that Michel Chapoutier would be the first to acknowledge the debt he owes producers such as Marcel Guigal, Gerard Chave, Francois and Jean-Pierre Perrin, and Jacques Reynaud for leading the way. Producers who are as committed to quality as Chapoutier should attract supporters rather than detractors. The work which Chapoutier is doing, along with the work of many other top Rhone Valley producers only creates more interest in the wines of that region. Chapoutier is extremely pleased with his 1994s, claiming it is a vintage not far removed from the powerful 1990. The crop size was extremely small, with yields generally between 1-2 tons of fruit per acre. The 1994 white wines have all been bottled save for the luxury cuvee of Hermitage Cuvee de l'Oree. Where pertinent, I have indicated lot numbers because of complaints about bottle variation with certain cuvees of the Chapoutier wines, most notably the firm's branded wines, Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonnieres, St.-Joseph Deschants, and the two cuvees of Hermitage, Chante Alouette and La Sizeranne. Bottle variation can be the result of a number of factors, such as dissimilar blends (unlikely at this winery) or poor shipping and/or storage conditions, thus abusing the wine (the most likely culprit). As for the three vintages of Hermitage Chante Alouette that have been bottled, the least impressive may be the 1994, although I must say it combines power with finesse in an intriguing manner. The wine exhibits a sweet, rich, ripe entry with notes of honey, ginger, and minerals, full body, good fat and richness, and a long finish. It is a complete, mouthfilling white Hermitage. Importer: Paterno Imports, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 247-7070
Rating: 91 –91
Chapoutier produced great white Hermitage in both 1994 and 1995. As of 1994, there is only one bottling of the Chante Alouette, so the bottle variation caused by multiple bottlings prior to 1994 has been eliminated. Twenty percent of this 100% Marsanne cuvee is fermented in small oak and the rest in tank, and then blended together. The 1994 Hermitage Chante Alouette (lot 6671) is superb, with a rich, cherry/pineapple/apricot-scented nose, unctuously thick, rich flavors, a liquid mineral character, and clean, fresh, full-bodied, honeyed flavors. It should last for a decade or more. Michel Chapoutier is quick to say that 1995 is one of the all-time great vintages for the northern Rhone, and in particular for Chapoutier. He compares it with 1990, 1961, and 1947. He is also quick to see the problems that 1995 presented, and the fact that too many Rhone Valley producers followed the same pattern as in 1994. In the latter vintage, it was essential to harvest early, but in 1995 harvesting early only produced wines that were made from physiologically unripe fruit, with extremely high acidity. Chapoutier's top vineyards in Crozes-Hermitage, St.-Joseph, Cote Rotie, and Hermitage were harvested very late - in early October. He claims that in the five years that have passed since the great 1990 vintage, he is a far more talented winemaker as he "knew how to make noise in 1990, but now I know how to make music." Yields were tiny throughout all the estate vineyards, with most of the vineyards coming in under 20 hectoliters per hectare, and some of the top vineyards harvesting under a ton of fruit per acre. All in all, 1995 looks to be a sensational vintage for Chapoutier, with a number of extremely long-lived wines. Moreover, now that the 1994s have had some time in bottle, it can be said that 1994 is also a great vintage for this firm. Importer: Paterno Imports, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 247-7070
Rating: 91 –91
The 1993 Chante-Alouette is a large-scaled, thick, flowery, mineral, honeyed wine with a pronounced aroma of acacia flowers. Deep and full-bodied, with gobs of fruit, it is a superb white Hermitage for drinking over the next 10-20 years. Last tasted 6/96.
Rating: 91 –91
This firm makes outstanding white Hermitage. The 1993 Hermitage Chante Alouette is a large-scaled, thick, flowery, mineral, honeyed wine with a pronounced aroma of Acacia flowers. Deep and full-bodied, with gobs of fruit, it is a superb white Hermitage for drinking over the next 10-20 years. This wine, which can taste monochromatic and heavy alone, takes on amazing vibrancy and life with food. Chapoutier's obsession with tiny yields and natural, pure wines that reflect the vineyard's terroir, soil, and varietal aromatic and flavor profile are well-displayed in his current and up-coming white wine releases. Importer: Paterno Imports, Chicago, IL; Tel. (312) 247-7070
Rating: 90 –90
The 1992 Chante-Alouette displays the tell-tale tangerine, honey, acacia flower-scented nose, full body, admirable power and intensity, a thick, unctuous texture, and low acidity. It is the most syrupy, layered, and concentrated of the cuvees of Chante-Alouette. Anticipated maturity: now-2002. Last tasted 6/96.
Rating: 91 –91
Young Michel Chapoutier continues to raise considerable controversy wherever he goes. His unequivocable belief in the principles of Bio-Dynamic farming and his youthful confidence, that may come across as arrogance and a display of too little respect for his more experienced and more elderly peers, have not made life easy for Chapoutier, despite the number of great wines he has produced. This is all lamentable given the fact that Michel Chapoutier would be the first to acknowledge the debt he owes producers such as Marcel Guigal, Gerard Chave, Francois and Jean-Pierre Perrin, and Jacques Reynaud for leading the way. Producers who are as committed to quality as Chapoutier should attract supporters rather than detractors. The work which Chapoutier is doing, along with the work of many other top Rhone Valley producers only creates more interest in the wines of that region. Chapoutier is extremely pleased with his 1994s, claiming it is a vintage not far removed from the powerful 1990. The crop size was extremely small, with yields generally between 1-2 tons of fruit per acre. The 1994 white wines have all been bottled save for the luxury cuvee of Hermitage Cuvee de l'Oree. Where pertinent, I have indicated lot numbers because of complaints about bottle variation with certain cuvees of the Chapoutier wines, most notably the firm's branded wines, Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonnieres, St.-Joseph Deschants, and the two cuvees of Hermitage, Chante Alouette and La Sizeranne. Bottle variation can be the result of a number of factors, such as dissimilar blends (unlikely at this winery) or poor shipping and/or storage conditions, thus abusing the wine (the most likely culprit). The 1992 Hermitage Chante Alouette displays the tell-tale tangerine, honey, acacia flower-scented nose, full body, admirable power and intensity, a thick, unctuous texture, and low acidity. It is the most syrupy, layered, and concentrated of these three cuvees of Chante Alouette. Importer: Paterno Imports, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 247-7070
Rating: 94 –94
This firm makes outstanding white Hermitage. Even richer than the 1993, the 1992 Hermitage Chante Alouette exhibits an intense, honeyed, vanillin, floral-scented nose. An immense, full-bodied wine loaded with fruit, glycerin, alcohol, and richness, it lingers on the palate for nearly a minute. It has the potential to last for 20-25 years. This wine, which can taste monochromatic and heavy alone, takes on amazing vibrancy and life with food. Chapoutier's obsession with tiny yields and natural, pure wines that reflect the vineyard's terroir, soil, and varietal aromatic and flavor profile are well-displayed in his current and up-coming white wine releases. Importer: Paterno Imports, Chicago, IL; Tel. (312) 247-7070
Rating: 90 –90
Chapoutier's 1991 Hermitage-Chante Alouette, made from yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare and fermented and aged in new oak casks, is a brilliantly well-focused, rich, full-bodied white wine with an enticing perfume of pears, flowers, and minerals, excellent richness and extraction, decent acidity, and a subtle touch of new oak that only adds to the wine's dimension and structure. The young Michel Chapoutier continues his quest of cultivating his vineyards in an organic fashion, and turning out wines that reflect the soil, the grape, and the vintage. These concentrated (because of low yields) wines are made with minimal intervention by the winemaker. Chapoutier did extremely well with his northern Rhone vineyards in 1991. Importer: Paterno Imports, Chicago, IL.
Rating: 90 –90
The 1991 Chante-Alouette, made from yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare, is a brilliantly well-focused, rich, full-bodied white wine with an enticing perfume of pears, flowers, and minerals, excellent richness and extraction, decent acidity, and a subtle touch of new oak that only adds to the wine's dimension and structure. Anticipated maturity: now-2009. Last tasted 6/96.
Rating: 90 –90
The 1990 Chante-Alouette's yellow color suggests super grape maturity. The nose displays the honeyed, hazelnut, stony, peach-like aromas of a top white Hermitage. In the mouth, there is superb extraction of flavor, combined with surprisingly crisp, high acidity. This is an extremely rich and intense white Hermitage for connoisseurs. Anticipated maturity: now-2010. Last tasted 12/95.
Rating: 90 –90
The 1989 Chante-Alouette displays a rich, buttery, hazelnut-scented nose, deep, heady flavors, a lot of fatness in its chewy texture, and a long, large-scaled finish. The wine has not yet developed complexity, but this is the type of white Hermitage that can evolve gracefully over two decades or more. In fact, these wines are often better after 7-10 years of aging, frequently being chunky and one-dimensional in their youth. Last tasted 6/96.
Rating: 87 –87
The 1988 Chante-Alouette is less concentrated, more spicy than flowery, but has great keeping qualities of 10-15 years. It is somewhat overwhelmed by the 1989 when tasted side by side, but it is still an impressive bottle of white Hermitage. Last tasted 10/93.
Rating: 93 –93
Pale, glistening yellow. Penetrating aromas of fresh orchard and pit fruits are accompanied by hints of chalky minerals and pungent flowers. Juicy and concentrated in style, offering pear nectar, white peach and Meyer lemon flavors that tighten up and show fine definition on the back half. The floral note repeats strongly on the energetic finish, which hangs on with impressive, mineral-tinged persistence.
Rating: 93 –93
Some chalky, wet-stone aromas are backed by very attractive pears and poached apples. On the palate, this has a layered feel with a strong core of saline mineral and plenty of rich honey and poached pears. Long and fleshy. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
Rating: 95 –95
Impressive nose of mirabelle and ripe peaches with hints of toast, honeycomb and flint. Great concentration without any more weight than a very good Grand Cru white Burgundy. Stunning interplay of fine tannins and mineral acidity. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.
Rating: 94 –94
At first this is a bit closed, but with some aeration in the glass the ripe peach and Mirabelle plums from the beautifully ripe marsanne emerge. Excellent concentration and a wonderful vitality in spite of the moderate acidity. Then comes the saline minerality, which is married to a touch of bitter almonds in the long, structured finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
Rating: 95 –95
At once deep, firmly structured and rich, this shows beautiful yellow-peach and Mirabelle-plum aromas plus a flinty freshness, the fleshy side balancing the expressive mineral aspect. Then comes the tense and (still) quite tightly-wound finish with an exciting touch of bitterness. So clean and pure. From biodynamically grown grapes. Excellent aging potential. Drink from release.