Tasting Notes - Rhone, North

2001 Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante Alouette Update

A quick update on the lovely Chante Alouette I drank yesterday: there was around a glass and a half left in the fridge for me to quaff today before going to the airport, and it had really improved overnight. It had fleshed out to become a sumptuous, opulent example of this wine, the orchard fruit and spice had also really expressed itself beautifully too, and it truly was a delight.

2001 M Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante Alouette

As I write this, I am supping politely on a glass or 3 of 2001 Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante Alouette. This is a charming tipple, beautifully balanced and a delectable mouthful. Quite full-bodied - as most 100% Marsanne wines tend to be - it offers more on the palate than it does on the nose, which is quite restrained, betraying its youth. I was a little concerned that it was in a bit of a closed-down dead zone when I opened it, but it's developing nicely now after being open for a couple of hours. The nose is still quiet, but the mid-palate flavours of dried stone fruits, marzipan, toasted nuts and a touch of honey are really starting to shine through, and the oxidative style that characterises these Rhone whites is truly joyous! There is quite an intensity to this, a restrained kind of power, that sneaks up on you over a period of time, the kind of wine that takes you a sip or two to really appreciate, and makes you want more just as you get towards the end of the bottle. Actually I do have another bottle, so no worries there... Just as an afterthought, this wine has been consumed with Indian food, and was a very decent accompaniment, certainly not overpowered by the strong flavours of the food, testament to the depth and power of this particular libation. Splendid.