Paul Jaboulet Aîné stands as a venerable institution in the Northern Rhône, with 'Le Chevalier de Sterimberg' representing their esteemed white Hermitage expression. Sourced from the iconic granite slopes of the Hermitage hill, this cuvée benefits from a unique terroir that imparts both power and finesse. The blend predominantly features Marsanne, celebrated for its textural richness and profound aromatic complexity, complemented by a proportion of Roussanne, which contributes acidity, floral notes, and an elegant aromatic lift. The 2020 vintage, following careful vinification and a judicious oak ageing regime, promises a wine of remarkable structure and longevity. This is a benchmark example of white Hermitage, reflecting the appellation's capacity for producing profound, age-worthy white wines.
Tasting notes
The 2020 Le Chevalier de Sterimberg Blanc presents a luminous golden hue in the glass. The bouquet is intricate and evolving, revealing initial notes of ripe orchard fruit – quince, pear, and white peach – interwoven with nuances of toasted almond, acacia honey, and a distinct mineral salinity. As it opens, subtle hints of beeswax and a delicate floral perfume emerge. On the palate, it is full-bodied and authoritative, yet beautifully balanced by a vibrant acidity. The texture is rich and unctuous, characteristic of mature Marsanne, delivering layers of flavour that echo the nose, augmented by a savoury, almost nutty complexity. The finish is exceptionally long and persistent, culminating in a saline minerality that promises significant evolution with bottle age.