DOMAINE BELLE Hermitage Blanc
Domaine Belle’s Hermitage Blanc -- typically 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne -- comes from organically-farmed vineyards in Les Peleas, in the commune of Tain l’Hermitage. The vines grow on permeable limestone, sand and gravel soils and yield just 35hl/ha. Viticultural practices include close pruning and leaf thinning to maximise sun exposure. Grapes are harvested by hand and vinified at low temperature in oak barrels, 75% new and 25% one-year-old. The wine matures for 20 months on fine lees in the same barrels, where it also undergoes malolactic fermentation.
This white Hermitage is rich and complex. Initially the nose is, typically, full of fruit, with mirabelle and citron, and white flowers -- including honeysuckle and lime blossom -- emerging with time. Notes of honey and beeswax complete the nose. The palate is supple and fresh, typically showing aniseed and related notes of fennel and star anise. Subtle notes of fresh hazelnuts, turmeric and saffron complete the picture. The finish is fresh and balanced.
Belle's white Hermitage comes mostly from the Péleat lieu-dit, with a small bit of Maison Blanche. The 2016 Hermitage Blanc is 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne, all barrel-fermented. It offers up hints of toasted grain, honey and orange marmalade, along with savory spice notes. It's full-bodied, mouth-filling and long, seemingly capable of developing over a decade or so.
93 points, Wine Advocate (November 2017)
Shiny yellow robe. The hazelnut of the Marsanne comes through clearly on a cool, salted nose, which has a banana, buttery underlay. There is a delicacy and detail about it which I like. The palate is neatly lined with a lemon-flavoured run of fruit, has a mild richness, a careful ending. This is more reserved than some 2016s, has a floral, gentle appeal. It will accompany sea bass with fennel, Poulet de Bresse, firm cheese such as Comté.
DrinkRhone.com (November 2017)
"Shiny yellow robe. The hazelnut of the Marsanne comes through clearly on a cool, salted nose, which has a banana, buttery underlay. There is a delicacy and detail about it which I like. The palate is neatly lined with a lemon flavoured run of fruit, has a mild richness, a careful ending. This is more reserved than some 2016s, has a floral, gentle appeal. It will accompany sea bass with fennel, Poulet de Bresse, firm cheese such as Comté."
3.5 stars, drinkrhone.com (November 2017)
