Chapoutier, Ermitage Vin Paille Vintage:2003 Jean-Louis and Gerard Chave opened

Jean-Louis and Gerard Chave opened a bottle of the 2003 Hermitage Blanc to give me an idea of how this vintage is aging

but has the grip that suggests just how good this wine is

then tighter on the midpalate

elegant and pure personality

spicy tropical fruits coat the palate

Chapoutier, Ermitage Vin Paille Vintage:2003 Jean-Louis and Gerard Chave openedThe 2003 Hermitage Vin de Paille was spectacular. Made from straw dried Marsanne and aged all in new oak, it offers incredible notes of caramelized tropical fruits, quince, brioche, cigar and honeycomb to go with a unctuous, thick and chewy profile on the palate that somehow stays fresh and lively. Almost requiring a fork as opposed to a glass, it will most likely be indestructible in the cellar and can be enjoyed anytime over the coming century.