‘Cuvée de l’Orée’ Ermitage Blanc is always a critic’s favorite with, at best only 300 cases produced per year. It is Marsanne, so intense due to low yields and high ripeness, that handles barrel fermentation without leaving overt oak tones. The site is the alluvial Les Murets in the eastern part of the Hermitage hill. It is one of the longest-living dry white wines in France.
Intense, golden yellow, with hints of green and gold. Very intense, hot shingles, toffee, and very ripe lemon with floral overtones of acacia and hawthorn. Well-rounded start, full-bodied, very complex with overtones of ripe fruits, spices, and roasted flavors. Very long on the palate, with a fresh finish.
Hand-harvested at advanced maturity. After pressing, the must is cold racked for 24 hours. About 15% is vinified in new oak, the rest in vats. Organoleptic tastings are carried out to determine how long it should remain in casks prior to bottling. Aging on lees with regular stirring for 6 months prior to maturation in barrel and cask.