The iconic hill of Hermitage, towering above the towns of Tain and Tournon, has been growing grapes since the Greco-Roman era. It is a relatively small vineyard area with 138ha of vines planted - about the size of good Médoc property - that was forged originally from a granite base but now contain a variety of different soil types that have evolved over multiple geological incarnations. Hermitage has been highly regarded over the centuries as it was a favourite of the Imperial Russian court, and followed by notable individuals, such as Thomas Jefferson who fine-tuned his appreciation of wine while visiting France in 1784.
The vines that produce this wine come from the lieu-dit - see note below - that is owned by Delas, “Les Grandes Vignes”, that sits at an altitude of around 300m with a south-facing aspect and just over 2ha in size. Production is limited to between 1,800 and 2,000 bottles per year. Fermentation in stainless steel for around 3 weeks, and then aged in barrels for approximately 20 months, with a third of new oak.
2017 was an excellent vintage in the Northern Rhône. Mild winter followed by stable temperatures across the growing season. A lack of rain saw smaller yields than normal, but the quality was perfect, and most wines will last for a very long time.
The ownership of this estate comes under the umbrella of companies within Louis Roederer’s curtilage. Original bought by Deutz Champagne in 1977, that subsequently became part of Roederer’s operations in 1993. The new Delas winery that has been built in Tain is a statement of a quality focus that is the hallmark of this international group with their own wineries spread around the world, as well as representing a number of prestigious, high quality, family-owned brands.
Hermitage, Ligne de Crête, Les Grandes Vignes, 2017
This needs time. If an exceptional date in the early 2030s needed an exceptional wine to celebrate a momentous occasion, then this would be a flawless addition to that event. Think venison, beef or ripe game. Not surprisingly, it is rather tight and closed when you first pull the cork. However, give it a few minutes. Let it sit in a glass and breath, and then you begin to realise what potential is harboured within this outstanding wine. Concentration on the nose from a combination of blueberries, violets and redcurrants. Although there is a powerful, almost muscular structure on the palate, there is immense refinement and elegance, with copious length and a perfect balance. Rich, broad shouldered, yet silky. It will take restraint to leave it alone for another 8 years.
£142.00 - Berrys
Definition of lieu-dit
A question often asked. It is a French term used very broadly to identify a small area of land usually defined by historical, geographical or topographical features: it has a defined, physical boundary. Often used within Alsace, Burgundy or the Rhône, it relates to a specific plot within a larger, well-defined appellation. Using the name of the specific segment of land within the context of a larger appellation allows a more detailed understanding of the terroir and its influence on the wine produced there. The plural is lieux-dits.
