2020 Domaine Jean Louis Chave Hermitage

Region: Rhone Valley, France

Grape: Syrah

Culinary Suggestions: Roast Lamb, Quality Steak, Beef Stew

Practices: Biodynamic

About

Jean-Louis Chave is one of the finest ‘vignerons’ in France producing some astonishing white and red Hermitages.

“Anyone who loves Hermitage and has a cold cellar should be lining up to get a few bottles of this beauty.”

– ROBERT PARKER

Tasting Notes

Tasted in components, before the final blending and rest before bottling, this wine is shaping up to be monumental, and it's from a domaine that has made far more than a few remarkable wines. There's intense dark fruit, suave floral and exotic spice character and a deep, energizing core of minerality, plus hints of olive, botanical herbs, licorice and smoked meat. But ultimately, it mainly focuses on powerful, vibrant fruit and floral qualities, making it a particularly elegant rendition of the appellation. I can't wait to see the bottled result.

97-99 points - Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media December 2022

Readers will note that the score range I've provided for Chave's 2020 Hermitage is much broader than typical. That's because my ratings for the numerous barrel samples tasted varied considerably, with one lot scoring as low as (91 - 93), while others were near-perfect (98 - 100). I should be able to provide a more precise picture following my next visit, but it was clear to me that—even more than usual—much will depend on Jean-Louis's skills at selection and blending. From the soft, elegant and red-fruited Péléat to the commanding, dark-fruited and mineral-laden Bessards—and the silky, finesseful and raspberry-laden Le Méal in between—there's no doubt a fine expression of Hermitage will eventually emerge from Chave's cellars.

93-98 points - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate January 2022

Drink: 2025 - 2040