2021 Domaine de La Chapelle "Chevalier de Sterimberg"

Since 1919, on these steep, stony hillsides where only the hand of man can intervene, the Jaboulet family and then the Frey family have succeeded one another in cultivating the vines of this now legendary cuvée, La Chapelle Hermitage. A unique terroir named the Hermitage Hill Taking advantage of a rock fault, the force of the Rhône River isolated this unique granite hill from the Massif Central, exiling it to the alpine side… Over thousands of years, time worked its magic. The Alpine uplift, the river’s course, glaciers, and winds enriched the depths of the hill with an exceptional diversity of soils. The hermit, Knight Gaspard de Stérimberg, gave his name to the hill of Hermitage as well as to this cuvée made from Marsanne and Roussanne. Coming from terroirs of loess and pebbles, this wine is complex on the palate, full-bodied, combining fruity and mineral aromas. It is as long-lasting on the palate as it is over time. The 2021 vintage Weather conditions The autumn of 2020 was not very wet, except in December, which helped to balance the water deficit. After a relatively mild winter, the spring was early and vegetation started to grow rapidly, 15 days ahead of schedule. However, vegetative development slowed down very quickly with the drop in temperature. Episodes of black frost were recorded during the nights of April 7 to 9 with temperatures between -1°C and -6°C. Spring was cool and rainfall was abundant in May. Flowering took place rapidly and in good conditions around June 7. The summer was also very wet with temperatures below normal. Tasting notes Attractive pale gold colour with bright blond highlights. This wine has a complex nose with floral and white-fleshed fruit notes. The attack is lively, with a fine, persistent acidity that gives the wine a certain direction and carries through to the finish. The mid-palate is full-bodied, with aromas of vine peach. Complexity and a fine balance between substance and acidity.