| 2011-02-23 15:34 |
WS: Ripe and dense, but pure and beautifully rendered, with gorgeous mango, quince, fig and pear fruit flavors woven together and offset by quinine, paraffin and blanched almond notes. The finish just sings with fruit, minerality and a kiss of toast. Drink now through 2020. 1,244 cases made. –JM |
| 2011-02-23 15:35 |
WA: After tasting through the different vineyards that go into the 2007 Hermitage blanc (Peleat, Rocoules, Meal, and l’Ermite), this appears to be another outstanding white Hermitage, and a candidate for the white Hermitage of the vintage. Several of the cuvees, especially l’Ermite, Meal, and Rocoules, merited scores in the high 90s, and Peleat was rated in the mid-90s. Aromas of white flowers, quince, and honeyed citrus, zesty acidity, and sensational concentration make an appearance in this extraordinary white. It is a magnificent example of power combined with elegance. This 2007 white Hermitage should evolve for 25-30+ years.
(Not yet released)
One of my favorite true and authentic vignerons to visit is the Chave family, located in the tiny, one-horse village of Mauves, just south of Tournon. The son, Jean-Louis, is taking over the reins more and more, but his father, Gerard, is still involved even though he is officially retired. As always, these wines performed brilliantly. Readers should keep in mind that the reviews of the 2007 white Hermitage and 2007 red Hermitage are a matter of extrapolating from tasting all the separate vineyards that go into these wines. That said, the Chaves appear to be ratcheting up their quality level because of a Draconian selection process in the vineyard as well as in the winery. The Chave estate wines’ finest value is St.-Joseph (5,000 bottles produced in each vintage), which comes from hillside vines planted in pure schist just outside their home village of Mauves.
Importer: Langdon-Shiverick, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 483-5900 |
| 2011-02-23 15:36 |
IWC: By Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, January/February 2010, Issue #148
(Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc) ($250) Bright yellow. Mineral-driven aromas of white peach, nectarine, orange zest and anise, plus an exotic note of yellow Chartreuse. Fleshy orchard and pit fruit flavors enter with very good breadth and richness but the minerality clamps the fruit down in the middle palate and a zesty, peppery element contributes lift and cut. Extremely young and not offering much in the way of complexity on the palate now. The strong, incisive finish strongly echoes the spice and mineral notes. This one demands patience. 94(+?) points |