2020 Ermitage Blanc de l'Oree
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Tasting notes
The De l’Orée Blanc offers a serious, sophisticated profile, that is less open and expressive at the moment, but with huge complexity and nuance. On the nose, acacia and honeysuckle combine with a very attractive, slightly bitter liquorice note on the long, persistent finish. With air, the aromas become more intensely smoky.
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Average Score
Matt Walls, Decanter
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Less opulent nose than the Granits Blanc 2021! Rich and glossy with quite a bit of alcohol. Then it’s all reined in on the end. (JR)
Also all Marsanne from the eastern side of Hermitage, raised in 15% new demi-muids, the 2020 Ermitage De L'Orée is full-bodied and concentrated, yet stays tight and reserved on the palate. Giving up beautiful white currant, crushed stone, spice, honeysuckle, and charcoal aromas and flavors, it’s a serious, age-worthy Hermitage that needs to be forgotten for 3-4 years, and it will evolve for over two decades.
A superbly balanced example of this selection, the 2020 Ermitage de l'Orée—sourced from the clay soils of Les Murets—features scents of crushed stone, toasted grain, white peach and ripe melon. Showing no ill effects from its recent bottling at the beginning of September, it's full-bodied, silky and elegant, with a long, harmonious finish.