1996 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc

The Chave family owns vines in nine of the 18 vineyards that cover the hill of Hermitage. Chave believes that the hillside's variety of terroirs is instrumental in bringing the right balance to its blends. The domaine produces both red and white Hermitage, as well as a Saint-Joseph Offerus. The Hermitage appellation regulations allow up to 15% white grapes to be added to the Syrah, but Chave uses a smaller proportion, if any at all (his L'Hermite vineyard has some white grapevines planted alongside the red). The white Hermitage is produced from 85% Marsanne and 15% Roussanne, all of which is harvested by hand. There is also a limited production (approximately 100 cases) Cuvée Cathelin, an Hermitage cuvee named after a friend of the Chave family, artist Bernard Cathelin, who designed the label when it was first released in 1990. Finally, there is an Hermitage Vin de Paille, which is both rare and highly regarded.

The domaine also has a second line called JL Chave Selection, which produces affordable red and white Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage, as well as a Côtes du Rhône.