2021 Domaine Belle Hermitage Blanc

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KM

Keith Mabry

Keith Mabry

K&L Buyer

We received only a a tiny amount of the Hermitage Blanc. It is planted on the hill of Hermitage in the lieux-dits of Peleas, Maison Blanche and Diognières. A blend of nearly equal parts of Marsanne and Roussanne, in many years it is a powerful style needing many years to resolve, but the 2021 is fresh and opens quite quickly. It is loaded with a nose of fresh cut flowers, peaches and honey. Beautiful intensity on the nose and refined on the palate. Great for now with a little aeration but should evolve for many years to come.

Notes

The roots of the Belle family run deep in Hermitage, extending back to the 18th century when the family began acquiring vines in the region. When descendant Louis Belle assumed control of the property he preferred tending vines over making wine. In 1933, he became one of the founding members of the Cave de Tain, the local cooperative. It was not until 2003 when grandson Philippe began making wines for the domaine. The property has 25 hectares of vines planted across Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage and St-Joseph, along with apricot orchards and a vine nursery tended by Philippe's brother, Jean-Claude. The vineyards were certified organic in 2014. The Blanc comes from vineyards in the Peleas, Maison Blanche, and Diognières lieu-dits. It is a blend of around 50% Marsanne and 50% Roussanne—vinified in 75% new oak and 25% one year-old barrels. It is aged for about 20 months before bottling. Creamy rich and redolent with grilled lemon, nectarine, hazelnuts and nutmeg. Beautiful in its youth, it is also a worthy cellar candidate. *ECOCERT Certified Organic*