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News
This has always been one of Chave's single greatest vintages, possibly equaled in recent years by 1989, 1991, 1994, and 1995, and possibly surpassed by 1990. Memorizing its aromas, its flavors, its texture, and its length is a quick education in what great wine is all about. Still an infant, with a murky, dark ruby/garnet color, this wine offers a smoky, tar, cassis, herb, and grilled meat set of aromatics, huge body, and mouth-searing tannin. This remains a very youthful wine-after nearly two decades of cellaring! Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025. Last tasted 11/95.
Rhone Book Jan 1997 |
Robert M. Parker, Jr. | 96 | Drink: 2000 - 2025 | $1055-$1172 |
Wine Description
The Story
Jean-Louis Chave Chave is known for opting for blending Syrah from their 15 ha vineyards on the Hermitage hill. Their philosophy is against single vineyard wines since blending guarantees more complexity in the wine. In this superb wine this is clearly indicated by the tremendous complexity. Syrah from Bessards is giving rich fruit intensity and concentration to the wine while Méal more depth in flavours and bouquet. Rocoules adds finesse in structure and length along the floral tones. L’Hermite contributes peppery earthy tones and colour. Péléat gives wildness and firmness in structure whereas Diognières provides colour and the savoury tastiness.
Vineyard Location: Bessards: The backbone of Chave’s Hermitage year in and out. One of the most famous vineyards in the AOC, Bessards is based on steep, granite hillside soils and provides a strong mineral note to the wine.
Beaumes: A long, narrow vineyard running north to south on the midpoint of the hill, Beaumes tends to produce lighter, more fruit-forward Syrah.
Hermite: This vineyard is located at the very top of the hill of Hermitage and surrounds the Chapel located there. It has a range of soil types, including granite and loess. Chave often vini es different lots from with in Hermite separately.
Péléat: A monopole, with stony, sandy soil, Péléat provides wines that are rmer and more complex.
Méal: A fairly large vineyard just to the east of Bessards. Méal is based on looser, alluvial soils and produces richer, riper wines with plenty of structure.
Vini cation: Generally 100% destemmed, as the Hermitage is meant to be about the expression of the individual vineyards and soils and Jean-Louis believes that stems have a tendency to level out the differences. Fermentation in wood tonneaux and stainless steel tanks. Aged in barriques for 30 months.
Wine Information
Hermitage – Jean-Louis Chave
Chave is known for opting for blending Syrah from their 15 ha vineyards on the Hermitage hill. Their philosophy is against single vineyard wines since blending guarantees more complexity in the wine. In this superb wine this is clearly indicated by the tremendous complexity. Syrah from Bessards is giving rich fruit intensity and concentration to the wine while Méal more depth in flavours and bouquet. Rocoules adds finesse in structure and length along the floral tones. L’Hermite contributes peppery earthy tones and colour. Péléat gives wildness and firmness in structure whereas Diognières provides colour and the savoury tastiness.
The Chave family firm has been passed from father to son since its establishment in 1481, through numerous generations, and currently it is under the direction of Jean Louis Chave, although his father Gerard still works with him. The estate is based on the right bank of the Rhone. Chave Hermitage is one of the greatest wines of the appellation, and many think of it as the top wine.
37 avenue St-Joseph
07300 Mauves
France
Tel. +33 4 7508 2463
Fax +33 4 7507 1421
Average Bottle Price
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2010 | 2005 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 449€ +23.0% | 1 178€ +8.1% | 1 090€ +11.5% | 978€ +19.0% | 822€ +54.5% | 532€ |