2016 Ermitage Blanc l'Ermite
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The best of the lineup in 2016 is unquestionably the 2016 Ermitage L’Ermite Blanc, which is all Marsanne from the granite soils at the top of Hermitage hill that was brought up in 25% new demi-muids. Boasting a crazy bouquet of exotic tropical fruits, liquid rocks, white flowers, celery seed, and licorice, it’s deep, rich, and powerful on the palate, with the more upfront, elegant and pure style of the vintage, yet has awesome richness, fatness and opulence. It’s a legendary white that I suspect will have 4-5 decades of life.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
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Bright gold. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes fresh pear, orange zest, smoky minerals and jasmine, along with a deeper suggestion of honey. Energetic, sharply focused citrus and orchard fruit and honeysuckle flavors stain the palate while showing zero fat. The mineral note builds steadily as the wine opens up and drives an impressively long, focused finish that features lingering floral, brioche and iodine notes.
My favorite of the white Hermitages, the 2016 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc boasts aromas of gently toasted marshmallow and ripe pear. It's full-bodied and generous, with a rich, grainy texture balanced by brine and zest notes. While it can be enjoyed now, my feeling is that it will get better over the next decade, then drink well for at least another decade after that.