Perhaps the best cuvee he has ever made of Ermitage Chante Alouette is the 2004, a fabulous vintage for the whites of the northern Rhone. This wine competes attractively with the single vineyard whites. The wine has wonderful notes of honeysuckle, licorice, quince, and white currants in an almost thick, juicy style yet buttressed by considerable acidity. It is a gorgeous wine with terrific intensity and richness. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Perhaps the best cuvee he has ever made of Ermitage Chante Alouette is the 2004, a fabulous vintage for the whites of the northern Rhone. This wine competes attractively with the single vineyard whites. The wine has wonderful notes of honeysuckle, licorice, quince, and white currants in an almost thick, juicy style yet buttressed by considerable acidity. It is a gorgeous wine with terrific intensity and richness. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Like many of Chapoutier’s whites, this wine doesn’t show all that much fruit. There’s honey and anise, good freshness, and a strong mouthfeel and texture capped off by tactile minerality on the finish. Hold 5–8 years. ——J.C.(11/15/2006)—— 87