Julien Pilon 2018 Crozes Hermitage Blanc "On The Rhone Again" 750ml

Full, shiny yellow robe. The bouquet is firm, not yet showing its hand, has depth, apricot and peach present. The palate gives a rich feel at the outset, is rather copious, but a fresh line runs through it, oak noticeable. It grips on the close. It needs time to extend and open further.

-- John Livingstone-Learmonth, Cradel of the Rhone, 2019

[2017 vintage] Ripe and inviting, with creamed pear, apple and melon flavors, inlaid liberally with toasted meringue and sweetened butter notes. A light verbena hint adds some detail on the finish.

-- JM, winespectator.com, 2019

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Julien Pilon specializes in white wine – it makes up 80% of his production – but has expanded his production to include several high quality reds. His whites are precise, exciting and stylish; the best of them will age gracefully for a long time, especially the spectacular Hermitage Blanc. Before branching out on his own, Pilon worked with Pierre Jean Villa in the Rhone, and before that in Roussillon and in Spain. Says John Clerides, “I have no clue how Julien crafts wines with impressive depth finesse and purity form purchased grapes, but he has done it.”