M. Chapoutier Ermitage L'Ermite Blanc 2005

• ws97

Wine SpectatorVery rich, but racy and well-focused, with a great minerally underpinning to the fresh butter, chamomile, yellow apple, anise, jasmine rice, hazelnut and fresh chanterelle notes. Long, creamy finish. Best from 20210 through 2025.

• st97

International Wine CellarLight gold. Intense, explosively perfumed and captivating, with a fabulous display of fruit, herb, mineral and spice aromas. A replay of the outstanding 2004, showing a leesy, pungent personality that suggests a great grand cru white Burgundy. The sheer flavor extract is remarkable; flavors include fresh and dried peach, pear, orange rind and honey, and the texture is sappy and tactile. There are only 150 cases of this for the world. 94-97

• wa95

Wine AdvocateAt the very top of the appellation's dome of decomposed granite is l'Ermite. This wine is the equivalent of drinking liquified rocks.The 2005 Ermitage l'Ermite blanc has that multi-layered mouthfeel, an extraordinary nose of intense minerality, quince, and white fruits. Some of the vines in this parcel are 130 years old, and the wine has over-the-top richness yet amazing acidity, depth, and a freshness that is hard to believe given its power and intensity.