Hermitage Blanc Chave 2014

With family history dating back centuries and ownership of some of the best parcels of vines in the Northern Rhône, Jean Louis Chave is undoubtedly one of the greatest producers of Hermitage Rouge and Blanc. The blend for the Blanc is almost always 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, vinified in a combination of mostly stainless steel and French oak casks, before maturation in new and used oak barrels for up to 18 months. The 2014 is richly textured and opulent, offering up notes of honey-drizzled stone fruits, quince, citrus zest and honeysuckle, with cooling crushed stone minerality. As ever, it is impeccably balanced and a sheer joy to drink.