A rare and refined white Hermitage from Paul Jaboulet Aîné, the 2020 La Chapelle Blanc is a fresh, mineral-driven expression crafted from organically grown Marsanne in the famed Maison Blanche lieu-dit. Aromas of apricot, pear blossom and lemon verbena unfold with hints of crushed flint, cream and sandalwood. Full-bodied yet vibrant and precise, it delivers bright acidity, supple texture and a long, seamless mineral finish. Elegant and structured, this modern, fresher style of Hermitage Blanc will reward both early enjoyment and cellaring.

James Suckling | JS 94
Published: Nov 03, 2021

Fresh apricot, pear blossom, lemon verbena, crushed flint, cream and sandalwood on the nose. Full-bodied, yet elegant and fresh, with vibrant acidity and a supple, seamless palate. Mineral, textured finish. From organically grown grapes. Try from 2023.

The Wine Advocate | RP 91+
Published: Jan 20, 2022
Drink: 2021-2035

The 2020 Hermitage la Chapelle Blanc (last bottled in 2014) comes entirely from the Maison Blanche lieu-dit and is 100% Marsanne. Like the other Jaboulet whites from 2020, it's on the leaner side, with pear and citrus enriched by some leesy character. Medium-bodied, it's long and elegant, even if it's a significant departure in style from most examples of Hermitage Blanc. With it's higher-than-normal acid levels and crisper feel, it's conceivable that I've underrated it as a young wine and that it will blossom in time.

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.

Jancis Robinson | JR 16.5
Published: Mar 28, 2022

Mostly Marsanne and Roussanne selected from Chevalier de Sterimberg. First vintage was 2001, previous vintage 2014.
Almond, apricot, lemon juice with a surprising zinginess. Delicious fruit, in a lighter style than most Hermitage. There's excellent mealy texture, finished with that tangy acid again. (RH)