Decanter Regional Profile: Hermitage
It’s hard to beat Syrah from the greatest sites in the Rhône, but I’ve tasted a few from New Zealand recently that have been really impressive. I’m on my way over there tomorrow for a couple of weeks for a closer look – my first visit, so I’m hugely excited. I’ll be tweeting as usual from @mattwallswine
In the meantime, here’s a recent article I wrote for Decanter magazine – a regional profile on Hermitage.
I love Hermitage. It was one of my first wine loves – Jaboulet, Chapoutier, Rostaing, and especially Chave. These wines are pretty unaffordable now (for me), although I had a surprisingly good La Chapelle 1998 two weeks ago, which rated a star higher than JLL’s three.
It’s that cost which makes me look forward so much to your NZ article. For NZ whites I am much more impressed with Chardonnay (and the potential for Gruner Veltliner) than most NZSB. For reds, I love NZ Pinots, especially the regional differences. But Syrah seems to me to have the potential to be equally impressive with time. Can’t wait to read it.
Thanks David. I agree they’re not cheap, but you can still pick up wines from the greatest producers for less than £100 a bottle, which is more than can be said for Bordeaux and Burgundy I suppose. I’m with you on the NZ Chardonnay – huge potential, and already more interesting than NZ Sauvignon Blanc. Some excellent Syrahs, though not across the board… though I’m still here looking!
Dear Matt !
Could it be possible to meet you in Bordeaux, Prowein or Vinexpo perhaps? Or in the UK?
I would like to present you our wines which are family owned in different appellations of Bordeaux.
Many thanks
Anthony Crameri
Tel: +33 6 18 760 2 20