WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
The name of this vineyard, “De L’Orée,” was given by Michel Chapoutier’s grandfather who selected De L’Orée for the vineyard’s location at the eastern edge of Hermitage Hill – “Orée” means “edge” in French. “Orée” is also a reference to the color of the wine as “or” in French means “gold.”
De L’Orée is always a critic’s favorite with, at best, only 600 cases produced per year. 100% Marsanne, particularly intense due to low yields and high ripeness, this wine handles barrel fermentation without taking on overt oak tones. The site is the alluvial Coteaux des Murets in the eastern part of Hermitage Hill. It is one of the longest-living dry white wines in France.
Intense, golden yellow hints of green and gold. Very intense aromas, hot shingles, toffee, and very ripe lemon with floral overtones of acacia and hawthorn. Well-rounded start, full-bodied. Very complex with overtones of ripe fruits, spices and roasted flavors. Very long on the palate, with a fresh finish.
100 points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2012 Ermitage Cuvee de l’Oree is still firing on all cylinders, sporting heavenly notes of powdered rock, white flowers, honeyed orange blossom, white currants and a saltiness that keeps you coming back to the glass. Full-bodied, voluptuous and decadent, drink it anytime over the coming 2-3 decades. (JD)
