2003 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage
- 100 WA
- 98 IWC
- Variety
Syrah
International Wine Cellar | Rating: 98
Now we take the monster out of his cage, Jean-Louis warned me before pouring this. Inky, almost black in color. Elemental, hugely concentrated and powerful on the nose, which slowly unveils aromas of dark cherry liqueur, blackberry, cassis, espresso and a deep note of sweet tobacco. Impossibly rich and dense on the palate (the yields in 2003 were off by two-thirds), showing myriad dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors, with a suggestion of tapenade and an intense licorice quality. Remarkably, this takes on a mineral tone on the finish, which has the effect of further drawing out the amazingly powerful finish.Author: Josh RaynoldsIssue: January/February 2006Wine Advocate | Rating: 100
Chave's 2003 Hermitage, like the most successful Burgundies from that anomalous vintage, somehow retains a sense of mineral freshness that balances this wine's remarkable concentration and massive fruit. Tasted at the domaine, it's even floral and perfumed on the nose, an incredible feat when faced with that summer's implacable heat. Full-bodied, massively rich and decadently creamy in texture, it delivers waves of mixed red and black fruits that avoid any overtly raisiny character, finishing vibrant, peppery and long.Drink Dates: 2015 - 2040Author: Joe CzerwinskiIssue: December 2019 Week 3Jeb Dunnuck | Rating: 100
I’ve rated the 2003 Hermitage perfect on numerous occasions, and while sound bottles are still as good as it gets, I’ve also had some tired bottles here in the States, so provenance is critical with this vintage. Still youthfully colored yet just starting to show some maturity in its aromatics of blackberries, dark currants, licorice, spice box, and leather, this fabulously textured, opulent 2003 hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a wealth of sweet tannins, and a monster of a finish. Clearing 15% alcohol (and I think the pH is probably around 4), it should be a required tasting for all those touting the low alcohol nonsense. This singular beauty can be drunk today with incredible pleasure or cellared for another two decades, if you’re so inclined.Drink Dates: 2020 - 2040Author: Jeb DunnuckIssue: Up From The Cellar #8 & Misc New Releases
Self | Rating:
Drink Dates: 2006-2046Author: Tallydoc
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
- 759 bottles owned
- 132 collectors