Paul Jaboulet Aîné
Le Chevalier de Sterimberg Blanc Hermitage Marsanne Roussanne
Hermitage, Northern Rhône, Rhône, France
In 2017, “Chevalier de Sterimberg” was Jaboulet’s top Hermitage Blanc since no “La Chapelle” Blanc was made. Popped and poured; served just below cellar temp and enjoyed over the course of an hour. The wine pours a light gold with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the 2017 is still developing with notes of pear, orange marmalade, lemon, stone fruit, honeydew, honey, chamomile and granite minerals. On the palate, I’m getting more than expected acid which I would rate at medium. The finish is long and has surprising (and welcome!) minerality. This has matured very well in the last few years (this is better than my previous bottle) and I expect it will continue to do so through 2032. This was a sublime pairing with our annual seafood boil.
In 2017, “Chevalier de Sterimberg” was Jaboulet’s top Hermitage Blanc since no “La Chapelle” Blanc was made. Popped and poured; served just below cellar temp and enjoyed over the course of an hour. The wine pours a light gold with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the 2017 is still developing with notes of pear, orange marmalade, lemon, stone fruit, honeydew, honey, chamomile and granite minerals. On the palate, I’m getting more than expected acid which I would rate at medium. The finish is long and has surprising (and welcome!) minerality. This has matured very well in the last few years (this is better than my previous bottle) and I expect it will continue to do so through 2032. This was a sublime pairing with our annual seafood boil.
Jan 3rd, 2024
Juicy, waxy, mineral and spicy. Pineapple. Honeyed, with an incredible spice and tartness. So honeyed and delicious, but the acid and minerality provide unreal dimension.
Juicy, waxy, mineral and spicy. Pineapple. Honeyed, with an incredible spice and tartness. So honeyed and delicious, but the acid and minerality provide unreal dimension.
Nov 2nd, 2021
Limpid yellow-gold. Mineral-accented aromas of dried pear, lemon pith, succulent herbs and honey are given spicy lift by a gingery nuance. Chewy and sharply focused on the palate, offering densely packed orchard and pit fruit flavors and hints of chamomile and anise. The mineral note comes back strong on an impressively long, penetrating finish that shows fine definition and solid thrust. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, May 2020)
Limpid yellow-gold. Mineral-accented aromas of dried pear, lemon pith, succulent herbs and honey are given spicy lift by a gingery nuance. Chewy and sharply focused on the palate, offering densely packed orchard and pit fruit flavors and hints of chamomile and anise. The mineral note comes back strong on an impressively long, penetrating finish that shows fine definition and solid thrust. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, May 2020)
Popped and poured; served slightly chilled. I wanted to try one of these in their youth so I can track development. At this stage, everything is very primary and rather simple...but there’s a lot of potential. In the glass, this is a beauty to behold; appearing the dance in the glass. At this stage in development, it’s all melons (think cantaloupe) and pastilles. The finish is long and waxy which I find typical of young Marsanne and Roussanne. Decent acid and minerality. Time will tell if these can develop into something much more interesting but it’s a very good wine for now. I will try again in 2027.
Popped and poured; served slightly chilled. I wanted to try one of these in their youth so I can track development. At this stage, everything is very primary and rather simple...but there’s a lot of potential. In the glass, this is a beauty to behold; appearing the dance in the glass. At this stage in development, it’s all melons (think cantaloupe) and pastilles. The finish is long and waxy which I find typical of young Marsanne and Roussanne. Decent acid and minerality. Time will tell if these can develop into something much more interesting but it’s a very good wine for now. I will try again in 2027.
May 10th, 2020
Took a chance at buying a case @$43 a bottle and definitely not regretting it. Nicely balanced fruit with the usual tartness that will mellow and integrate in the coming years. A touch of honey and a lot of fruit; very enjoyable to drink.
Took a chance at buying a case @$43 a bottle and definitely not regretting it. Nicely balanced fruit with the usual tartness that will mellow and integrate in the coming years. A touch of honey and a lot of fruit; very enjoyable to drink.
Feb 11th, 2021