Professional reviews
Robert Parker (95)
The 2023 Ermitage de l'Orée evokes a lovely smoky reduction complemented with aromas of almonds blossoms, pear, spices and ripe white fruits mingled with delicate menthol notes. Medium to full-bodied, ample and satiny, pure and seamless, it has a multidimensional, dense core of fruit, bright acids and a lovely gastronomic bitterness that leads to a saline finish. Crafted from vines planted on the lieu-dit Les Murets in the east part of the hill on clay, granite soils, it will offer a broad drinking window.
Jancis Robinson (17)
3.5-ha Les Murets vineyard. 60- to 70-year-old Marsanne vines on alluvial soils. Certified organic and biodynamic. Cask sample.
Like the St-Jospeh Les Granits, this is already so open and aromatic, here with more citrus than pear and an almost-tropical richness, plus a nutty character. As it opens there's a delicate note of honeysuckle, and the winemaking (oak) shows less on the nose than it did on Les Granits. On the palate, this is so rounded it is almost viscous. Acidity seems lower than on Les Granits but there's good freshness from the salty/stony aftertaste, a sour sort of freshness, which contrasts well with the depth and richness of fruit. It's surprisingly approachable now but should have a long life. The power builds and builds as you sip. (JH)
Vinous (95)
The 2023 Ermitage Blanc De L'Orée is gorgeous. Utterly complex and wildly alluring, it kicks off with intense yellow apple, lemon flesh, jasmine, honeysuckle, pear and a flicker of flintstone. Touching the palate with high flavor concentration neatly kept in check by fresh acidity, the refined 2023 is such a precise De L'Orée, adding discreet phenolic bitterness on the expansive finish.
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
Leading off the single parcel whites, the 2023 Ermitage De L'Orée reveals ripe citrus, orange blossom, crushed stone, and sappy herb notes. It hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, bright acidity, and outstanding length. Made from 100% Marsanne, it was aged in 85% demi-muids and foudre (10% new) with 15% in stainless steel for 12 months. Drink 2025-2040.
