Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage Le Chevalier de Sterimberg Blanc 2020 is a refined Northern Rhône white made from 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne, showcasing purity, freshness, and striking minerality. Fermented and aged exclusively in concrete, it delivers vibrant aromas of jasmine, white peach, apricot, citrus, and crushed stone.
Awarded 94 points by James Suckling, this elegant white offers a fresh, mineral-driven palate with remarkable precision and a long, polished finish. Drink now or cellar through 2035. Perfect with lobster, scallops, roast chicken, creamy seafood dishes, and aged cheeses.

James Suckling | JS 94
Published: Nov 03, 2021

Jasmine, white peaches, apricots, bananas, crushed stones, almonds and lemon pith on the nose. Shells too. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a fresh, vibrant palate. Firm and mineral. From organically grown grapes. Try from 2023.

The Wine Advocate | RP 90
Published: Jan 20, 2022
Drink: 2021-2035

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.

Between my hectic schedule of visits and Caroline Frey's racing around to direct harvesting in Switzerland, Burgundy, the Rhône and Bordeaux, we were unable to connect in person this year. She deputized Robin Jullian, a former cellar hand turned export manager, to taste through the wines with me.

The style of the white wines has changed somewhat, although Jullian pointed out that they're actually more like they would have been in the distant past. Picking dates appear to have been moved forward, and the wines are seeing much less oak than in recent history. The 2020 Hermitage Le Chevalier de Sterimberg, for example, is completely unoaked, aged exclusively in concrete. I confess I had some difficulties grappling with this, writing in my notes at one point, "Nothing resembling Hermitage as we understand it."

The reds were more consistent with my expectations, with the 2019s looking particularly strong and cellar-worthy here, and the 2020s (from barrel) being softer and more elegant.