2021 Northern Rhône

Ermitage De l'Orée comes from 60-70 year-old Marsanne vines from lieu-dit “Les Murets” at the top of the hill. Perfumed with white flowers, stone fruit and quince, the palate is wonderfully textured, with zippy acidity and a chalky, mineral finish. Expertly-judged.

From 50-year-old+ Marsanne vines, whole-bunch pressed and fermented half in 600l oak foudres, half in vats. The vineyards are south facing, and are always the first to be harvested. This is full-bodied, concentrated, powerful and intense on the palate with notes of fresh pear, honey and hazelnuts. Yet a lean, freshness prevails. Incredibly impressive.

A blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah, the grapes are hand-harvested then undergo a long, slow maceration to gently extract flavours and aromas. Ageing takes place separately, during a period of 18 months - in vats for the Grenache and in large foudres for the Syrah, after which the final cuvée is assembled. The result is a wine packed full of expressive dark and red fruit and garrigue herb aromas. The palate is rich and concentrated with silky, ripe tannins and a long, spicy finish.

Les Varonniers comes from Chapoutier's oldest vines (60+ years) in Crozes, grown on south-eastern facing granitic soils. The elegant palate is packed full of cassis, black pepper and smoky notes and despite the cooler nature of the vintage there is wonderful ripeness of fruit. Drinking beautifully now, but with the capacity to go on.

Made from a selection of their oldest Marsanne vines in St Joseph. Superb apricot, white flower and orange blossom aromas combine on the nose, while the palate is mineral and fresh, with a hint of spice on the finish. This shows the classic, focused style of the vintage.