Paul Jaboulet Aine le Chevalier de Sterimberg Hermitage Blanc 2020
這是此作歸於Paul Jaboulet Aine 名下的最後一年。
Paul Jaboulet Aine 在1990s 初因為掌舵人們的相繼離世而陷入低潮，在2000s 初的作品質素更是令人失望。在2006年，酒莊被Frey 家族收購，隨後的數年似乎都在作調整，多有紛擾瑣事傳出，酒風也不再傳統，但至少是好起來了，走出陰霾。
跌跌撞撞到2021年，酒莊又有改動。就是Paul Jaboulet Aine 的Hermitage La Chapelle 被獨立出來，三款Hermitage 作品、一紅兩白以Domaine de La Chapelle 之名生產。新的酒莊建築也正在興建，預計將在2026年正式自成一家。
今天介紹的le Chevalier de Sterimberg Hermitage Blanc，正正就是被歸於Domaine de la Chapelle 的其中一款，而2020年，正是此作仍屬Paul Jaboulet Aine 的最後一年。
仍然是Marsanne 和Roussanne 的混釀，比例大約為7：3。在木桶、不銹鋼缸、「混凝土蛋」中陳年8至10個月。帶金銀花、黃花、梨、奶油、柑橘、熟桃、檸檬等香氣。口感圓潤，但果感依然精緻清晰，而酸度精巧堅韌，葡萄應該屬早摘。另外是碎石、貝殼等礦物質。相當平衡，頗具層次，是一款出色的作品。
This is the final year attributed to Paul Jaboulet Aine.
In the early 1990s, Paul Jaboulet Aine faced a downturn due to successive deaths of key figures, and the quality of their productions in the early 2000s was disappointing. In 2006, the estate was acquired by the Frey family, and in the following years, there seemed to be a lot of adjustments with various troubles surfacing. The winemaking style also shifted away from tradition, but at least it was improving, emerging from the shadows.
Stumbling into 2021, the estate saw further changes. Paul Jaboulet Aine's Hermitage La Chapelle was spun off, with three Hermitage wines—one red and two whites—produced under the name Domaine de La Chapelle. A new winery building is also under construction, expected to be officially established as a separate entity in 2026.
The le Chevalier de Sterimberg Hermitage Blanc being introduced today is one of those under Domaine de la Chapelle, and 2020 marks the last year it remains under Paul Jaboulet Aine.
It is still a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, with a ratio of approximately 7:3. Aged for 8 to 10 months in oak barrels, stainless steel tanks, and "concrete eggs," it exudes aromas of honeysuckle, yellow flowers, pear, cream, citrus, ripe peach, and lemon. The palate is round and smooth, with delicate and clear fruit notes, and a precise and robust acidity indicating early harvesting of the grapes. Additionally, there are mineral qualities like crushed stones and shells. Highly balanced and layered, is an outstanding piece.
Volume: 750ml
Alc. 13% vol
Jancis Robinson MW: 16.5+/20
James Suckling: 94/100
