This 2011 Chevalier de Sterimberg displays a straw-coloured yellow hue with green glints. It gives off pear and grilled almond aromas, mixed with floral notes. The palate is fresh and clear. It has a dense and suave mouth-feel on a note of lemon marmalade, and closes on a bold and greatly refreshing finish. This white Hermitage is composed of 65% Marsanne and 35% Roussanne, which grow on calcareous-clay and clayey-stony soils. Paul Jaboulet Aîné Chevalier de Sterimberg cuvee gets its name from the real chevalier (knight) Gaspard de Sterimberg who built the Saint-Christophe chapel that still dominates the plots on the hills of the domain.
Starting off the 2011 whites, all of which were in bottle, the 2011 Hermitage Chevalier de Sterimberg (70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne) offers up gorgeous honeyed fruits, creme, lemon, buttered citrus and distinct minerality in a medium to full-bodied, fresh, lively and pure package. Gaining richness and depth with air, with integrated acidity and additional nuttiness on the blockbuster finish, it's a thrilling effort that will evolve for 15-20 years.