Jean Louis Chave is undoubtedly amongst the greatest producers of Hermitage Rouge and Blanc. The blend for the Blanc is almost always 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, vinified in a combination of mostly stainless steel and French oak casks, before maturation in new and used oak barrels for up to 18 months. The 2016 release is a spectacular effort from an already highly acclaimed vintage. It is rich, mouth-coating and intense, yet exudes seamless texture and incredible focus. Though startlingly good to drink already these wines have a tremendous track record for ageing and this should easily improve over the next two decades.