2020 Hermitage Le Chevalier de Sterimberg

The 2020 Hermitage Le Chevalier De Sterimberg Blanc is also more mid-weight and simple, with medium-bodied, fresh, lively aromas and flavors of crushed citrus and white flowers. It’s certainly well-made and should keep for 7-8 years or more. While the wheels haven’t come completely off at this estate, there’s a significant drop in terms of quality starting with the 2019s and continuing with the 2020s. Whether this is simply COVID related or indicative of a larger issue is yet to be determined. To be sure, the wines are still well-made, but to have access to some of the greatest terroirs in the world and to be producing mid-weight, lean wines is disappointing to say the least.

A 60-40 blend of Marsanne and Roussanne that aged exclusively in concrete, the 2020 Hermitage Blanc Le Chevalier de Sterimberg features some slightly leesy aromas, plus hints of underripe pear, anise and citrus. Picked early and weighing in at only 13% alcohol, it's a crisp, medium-bodied, tight, yet elegant effort that bears little resemblance to most modern-day white Hermitages.

70% Marsanne, 30% Roussanne. Aged in concrete. Evident ripeness on the nose with subtle pear and confit fruit notes. Palate more vibrant, the acidity clearly present but a purity of fruit all the same. Powerful and persistent finish, the rapier edge of acidity driving the wine along. (JL)