Domaine des Remizières Hermitage “Cuvée Émilie” BLANC 2024. New to TOB.
It’s fair to say that Hermitage makes both the greatest white wine as well as the greatest reds in the northern Rhône valley. The hill of Hermitage is a commanding presence that rises rapidly over 200m above the river below, its higgledy piggledy terraces manipulated over the centuries to face straight down both barrels of the sun in the southern sky, cooled and purified by the endlessly streaming wind. The result is vines that make a tiny amount of fruit of the very highest flavour potential. Hermitage is not just a place but a spiritual legend of the winemaking world.
Grape Variety: 100% Marsanne
Alcohol Content: 14.0% ABV
Maturation: 12 months on fine lees in barrel, 60% new oak and the balance in barrels that are being filled for the second time.
Domaine des Remizières Hermitage Blanc 2024 is a sumptuous and age-worthy white Rhône that exemplifies the prestige of the appellation. Luminous gold in hue, it opens with a richly aromatic nose of acacia blossom, honeysuckle, ripe pear, hot butter and ground hazelnuts on toast, lifted by hints of citrus peel and a puff of wild herbs.
The palate is generous yet impeccably balanced, showcasing a supple and silky texture layered with flavours of peach, quince, lemon curd, and almond cream. The oak is seamlessly integrated, lending subtle spice and depth without overshadowing the wine’s natural purity. A mineral backbone and persistent acidity keep the finish long and precise. In fact it is the maddening deliciousness of the palate that make a glass of this wine just so darn un-put-down-able!
This Hermitage Blanc is a superb match for lobster with beurre blanc, poultry in cream sauces, or aged cheeses. While delicious now for its expressive charm, it has the structure and concentration to evolve gracefully over 10 or more years, gaining further nuance and complexity. A truly noble white wine from one of the Rhône’s most respected family estates.
