Lot 170
DOMAINE JEAN-LOUIS CHAVE HERMITAGE BLANC 2004 (1) WA 95
DOMAINE JEAN-LOUIS CHAVE HERMITAGE BLANC 2007 (2) WA 95
Lot 170 Details
DOMAINE JEAN-LOUIS CHAVE HERMITAGE BLANC 2004 (1)
Rhône.
stained, scraped & scuffed label
The 2004 Hermitage blanc, which hit 15% natural alcohol, is another superb effort, continuing a succession of totally profound white Hermitages from 2003, 2004, and 2005. As many readers know, this small family producer has been making wine in Hermitage since 1481! The 2004 (about 1000 cases) reveals a light gold color, terrific finesse and elegance in spite of its enormous power, unctuosity, and richness. Of course, it is not as honeyed as the otherworldly 2003 (which hit 16% natural alcohol) but it is an amazingly full-bodied, powerful wine with pervasive honeysuckle, peach liqueur, and nectarine notes intermixed with licorice, quince, and acacia flowers. This is gorgeous wine which should evolve for 20-25 years. April 2007 WA 95
DOMAINE JEAN-LOUIS CHAVE HERMITAGE BLANC 2007 (2)
Rhône.
1 x scuffed label. 1 x scraped & scuffed label
The exuberant 2007 Hermitage Blanc reveals notes of petroleum, crushed rocks, earth, white currants and peaches, an unctuous texture, high glycerin and good acidity. This big, thick white Hermitage will not be as long lived as the 2009, but for drinking over the next two decades, it is impossible to resist. Jean-Louis and Gerard Chave opened a bottle of the 2003 Hermitage Blanc to give me an idea of how this vintage is aging. This monumental offering, which flirts with perfection, has virtually no acidity and is aging beautifully. The Chaves believe it is a repeat of what Gerard’s father made in 1929. February 2011 WA 95