1996 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc
- 93 WA
- 90 WS
- 91 IWC
- Variety
White Rhône Blend
Wine Spectator | Rating: 90
An ultrathick, oily white, showing great intensity of fruit, staying clean, balanced, even racy despite the illusion of off-dryness; seduces with honey, kiwi, lime and almond character.Author: Per-Henrik ManssonWine Advocate | Rating: 93
The bottled 1996 Hermitage white is sensational. It is a powerful, heady, alcoholic, deep, chewy, superb white Hermitage offering notes of grilled nuts, sherry fino-like scents, thick, juicy, honeyed citrus, and a touch of peach and roses. Structured and powerful, it should have 10-15 or more years of longevity.Author: Robert ParkerInternational Wine Cellar | Rating: 91
Very complex nose combines apple, white flowers, honey, spices and a light smoky topnote; higher-toned than Chave's '97 Hermitage Blanc. Supple but tight today, with lively acidity giving the middle palate a very firm edge. Very young today. Extremely subtle on the finish, but not as powerful or persistent as the '97.Author: Stephen TanzerIssue: January/February 1999
Self | Rating: 96
Author: Peter BSelf | Rating: 97
Author: GSelf | Rating: 96
Golden with incredible balance of textures, scents and flavors. Bright and luscious at once. Wonderfully harmonious.Drink Dates: 2003-2017Author: jmvSelf | Rating: 95
Straw colored with honey and flowers on the nose after an hour of air. Once open, it shows organge blossom and honey flavors on the palate with a nice long finish. This wine really should be decanted. Still showing beautifully.Drink Dates: 2003-2014Author: Conrad KSelf | Rating: 95
Superb white Rhone, sadly my last bottle.Author: Stephen G41
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.
See other similar producers:Chateau de Saint CosmeCollector Data For This Wine
- 257 bottles owned
- 38 collectors
- Average collector rating: 96
(Out of 38 collectors)