L’Orée (0.75 L)

WA:Slightly better is the 600-case cuvee of 2008 Ermitage Cuvee de lí»Oree. This brilliant white Hermitage from the top of the granite dome of this appellation offers notes of roasted hazelnuts, nectarine oil, citrus, quince and crushed rocks. Astonishingly full-bodied and rich, particularly in view of the vintage conditions, it is exceeded in quality ever so slightly by the two white Hermitages that follow.