2003 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc Vin de Paille

Deep gold. Intense, complex aromas of dried apricot and honey. Thick, silky and superconcentrated, with distinctly wild flavors of apricot, truffle and damp earth. Conveys a tactile impression of extract. The '02 version is much fresher but not as honeyed, notes Mazoyer. Finishes silky and impressively long. This is 14% alcohol with 160 grams per liter of residual sugar.

One of the specialities at this estate is the limited production (about 2,000 375 ml bottles) dessert wines called Ermitage Vin de Paille. The 2003 is an amazing elixir possessing 15% alcohol and 160 grams of residual sugar. A light gold color, unctuous texture, and extraordinary notes of white truffles, orange marmalade, molasses, and creme brulee emerge from this rich, decadent, luxurious offering. It should last for 100+ years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate February 2006

The 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.||Finishing harvest at the end of August, Michel Chapoutier produced a monumental lineup of wines in 2003, and enough can’t be said about the quality coming for this estate. To say I was blown away would be an understatement. eRobertParker.com.April, 2014