2022 Chapoutier Ermitage L`Ermite Blanc

full yellow; the nose has an oily depth, isn’t obvious, has a buttery, layered manner, suggestions of white peach, licorice, interesting variety to come. The palate is most elegant on attack, a real smooth ride, with engaging white fruits, the gras nicely in place, a little firm for now. It has good structure, and ageing potential, with persistence in its cool fruits, orange-citrus touches on the aftertaste. It’s more complex than the Méal blanc 2022, has good balance. “It has power, freshness, texture,” Clément Bärtschi, cellar master. From 2025. 2045-47 5 stars