2018 Ermitage Blanc Le Reverdy

Bright straw-yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of fresh pear, Meyer lemon and yellow plum pick up hints of anise and quinine with air. Juicy and chewy in texture, offering densely packed orchard and pit fruit flavors that are sharpened by a refreshingly bitter lemon pith accent. Finishes minerally, taut and very long, leaving bitter citrus pith and floral notes behind. Fermented with whole bunches and aged in oak demi-muids .

Playing with the top wines in the appellation, the 2018 Hermitage Le Reverdy Blanc comes from the Les Beaumes and Le Méal lieux-dits and is equal parts Marsanne and Roussanne aged in 30% new French oak. It needs air to show at its best yet has powerful notes of honeyed quince and stone fruits intermixed with more exotic citrus, tangerine, and flower oil nuances. It has bright acidity, a rocking level of concentration, terrific balance, and subtle, integrated oak. It’s going to benefit from a year or two of bottle age and cruise for a decade or more. This tiny Northern Rhône estate continues to produce a colossal lineup of wines. While they pull from top estate terroirs around Hermitage and the Northern Rhône, they also have a large négoçiant line that’s loaded with values.

Cask sample. Tasted blind. Buttery nose, creamy palate, soft acidity, simple fruit with a slight citric edge. (RH)