Jaboulet Domaine Crozes-Hermitage De Roure Blanc 2021

Domaine Paul Jaboulet Ainé is a leading northern Rhône estate, now guided by winemaker Caroline Frey, and De Roure is a single vineyard white from pure Marsanne, the grape that gives white Crozes-Hermitage its body and richness. The vineyard is farmed biodynamically on the granite and clay soils of the appellation, where a warm continental climate ripens Marsanne fully, reflected here in a generous 14.5 percent alcohol. The wine is barrel fermented and then aged for around nine months on its lees, a process in which the wine sits in contact with spent yeast that slowly breaks down and releases compounds adding creaminess and a savoury, nutty depth, while the barrel allows gentle oxygen exchange and a light toast. The colour is deep gold, with a full nose of white peach, pear and apricot over honey, beeswax, hazelnut and toasted bread. The palate is broad and textured, its ripe fruit and creamy lees weight balanced by enough acidity to keep the long finish fresh. This is a serious, age worthy white. Serve it at around 11 to 13 degrees in a large glass.