2009 Hermitage Blanc Marquise de la Tourette
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Not yet bottled, but potentially the finest dry white Delas has ever made, the 2009 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes Blanc was made from 100% Marsanne aged in 100% oak. The wood component is pushed to the background, with the dominant characteristics being honeyed, caramelized citrus, orange marmalade, nectarine, crushed rocks and white currants. This full-bodied white should drink well over its first 7-8 years of life, then close down and re-open at age 20-25. Under the inspired leadership of winemaker/administrator Jacques Grange, who has carte blanche authority from the proprietors, the Louis Roederer/Deutz Champagne firm, Delas has been on a fabulous qualitative roll for over a decade. They have enjoyed some great successes, so it is hard to say 2009 may be the magnum opus of Jacques Grange, but it certainly looks fabulous. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
(90% marsanne and 10% roussanne) Pale gold. Honey, peach pit, licorice, pear and smoky herbs on the nose. Fleshy and smooth, offering smoky, palate-staining pit fruit and floral honey flavors, with hints of truffle and orange pith. Shows an exotic character that winemaker Jacques Grange compared to a pinot gris from Alsace. Finishes with very good length, repeating the smoke, floral and licorice notes.