2021 Chapoutier Hermitage Chante Alouette, Rhone Valley

At first this is a bit closed, but with some aeration in the glass the ripe peach and Mirabelle plums from the beautifully ripe marsanne emerge. Excellent concentration and a wonderful vitality in spite of the moderate acidity. Then comes the saline minerality, which is married to a touch of bitter almonds in the long, structured finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.

94 points James Suckling

Few names have shaped the modern Rhône Valley quite like M. Chapoutier. Led by Michel Chapoutier, the family estate has become one of the world's great ambassadors for biodynamic viticulture, producing wines that faithfully express the character of their vineyards. Chante Alouette is one of the estate's most celebrated whites, showcasing the extraordinary potential of Marsanne from the legendary slopes of Hermitage.

The fruit is sourced from a collection of historic hillside parcels across Hermitage, where ancient granite soils and steep, sun drenched terraces produce Marsanne of remarkable concentration and longevity. Drawn from old vines rooted deep into the fractured rock, the 2021 vintage captures the elegance and mineral precision of this iconic appellation while promising decades of graceful evolution.

The colour is a brilliant pale gold with youthful green highlights. Aromas of white peach, quince and preserved lemon unfold alongside acacia blossom, toasted hazelnut and a whisper of honey. The palate is richly textured yet beautifully poised, layering ripe orchard fruit over a core of granite driven minerality and vibrant acidity. Notes of almond, beeswax and gentle spice build through an exceptionally long, refined finish that reveals the pedigree of great Hermitage Blanc.

A magnificent partner for butter poached lobster, roasted turbot, Bresse chicken with morels or a creamy wild mushroom vol au vent. While captivating today with careful decanting, this is a world class Rhône white that will continue to reward patient cellaring for twenty years or more.