M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc De L'Oree 2016

WA97: As usual, Chapoutier's sélections parcellaires are stunning. The 2016 Ermitage de l'Oree from Les Murets' clay soils combines hints of honey and toast with tangerine zest and melon. It's 100% Marsanne, yet shows exuberant, nearly tropical flavors and absolutely no bitterness. It's full-bodied, completely mouth coating and rich, yet it finishes with zesty vitality and sherbet-like cleanliness. It should drink well for at least two decades.

VM96: Brilliant gold. Heady lemon curd, pear nectar, iodine and toasted brioche on the deeply perfumed, mineral-accented nose. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering densely packed citrus and orchard fruit and sweet butter flavors that show outstanding clarity and minerally thrust. Delivers superb energy and real power on the clinging finish, which features a sexy floral quality and a touch of smoky minerality. This wine's balancing act of power and finesse is extremely impressive.