Hermitage 2017
Vidal-Fleury
Founded in 1781, Vidal-Fleury not only is the Rhône’s oldest continuing grower/négociant firm, but it also secured an international following very quickly.Thomas Jefferson’s visit in 1787 was its first contact with the United States; he called the wines “ justly celebrated”.
The elaboration of Vidal-Fleury’s wines consists of four separate operations – the vineyard, winemaking, ageing and bottling. The superb origins of the grapes and the patience taken in maturing are what make the quality of Vidal-Fleury wines according to Winemaker Guy Sarton du Jonchay.
Terroir: From the western slopes of the Hermitage appellation. Soils vary with granite gravel, mica schist, gneiss and clay. Vineyard are steep with elevations between 300-500 meters with an ideal southern exposure.
Vinification: Grapes are hand harvested and transported to the winery in small crates. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in temperature controlled tanks with the maceration period lasting approximately 3 weeks with frequent pumping over. The wine is aged on its lees for a total of 4 years in a combination of new and used oak barrels as well as large oak casks. The finished wine is very lightly filtered (cross flow) and not fined. The wines rest in bottle for a minimum of 12 months prior to release.
Additional Information
Deep red, almost black in color. Complex and rich on the nose, dominated by spice, oak, tobacco and black fruit. Rich, firm and complex on the palate with plum, blackcurrant, pepper, and smoked meat.
Technical Details
- Appellation: Hermitage
- Winemaker: Guy Sarton du Jonchay
- Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
- Soil: Granite, schist, gneiss
- Yield: 33 hl/ha
- Alcohol: >14%
- Avg Production: textinput cases
- Sizes Available: 750ml
- Pack Size: 6/750ml
- Varietals: 100% Syrah
Recent Press
-
Score: 91 Points
The Wine Advocate Author: Joe Czerwinski
Date: Friday, June 4, 2021"Hints of violets mark the nose of the 2017 Hermitage, joined by blueberries and raspberries. While not the most profoundly complex wine to bear this appellation, it's a solid effort that's already approachable. Medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a soft, easygoing finish, the muscle of Hermitage is well marbled here—fatty and juicy, fruit-froward and seemingly built with early drinkability in mind." -
Score: 93 Points
Wine Enthusiast Author: Anna Lee C. Iijima
Date: Saturday, May 1, 2021"Blackberry and elderberry notes are concentrated but restrained in this classically earthen, salt-edged Syrah. Accented by a whiff of violet and fur, it's a shyer expression of Hermitage than is typical in these increasingly hot, sun-drenched vintages, but one that would welcome a few more years to let its subtleties develop. It's best to wait till 2023. The wine should improve through at least 2030 and hold further."
