Hermitage, Blanc
    Jean Louis Chave

    Hermitage, Blanc, 2008

    92/100
    Robert Parker Wine Advocate
    94/100
    Vinous
    Available Vintages
    Broking
    1. 2008

      12x75cl

      DP

      £3,286.25

    delivery information
    GUARANTEED PROVENANCE

    Critic Reviews

    92/100
    Robert Parker,
    Robert Parker Wine Advocate
    Consequently, there is little of the 2008 Hermitage Blanc (which was scheduled to be bottled the week after my visit), but it is one of the finest 2008s produced in the Northern Rhone. The wine offers up scents of almond paste, brioche, white currants and quince as well as a full-bodied, concentrated personality displaying good acidity and a more forward style than either the 2009 or 2007. It is best drunk in its first 7-8 years of life. Tasting through the different Hermitage vineyards (including Peleat, Les Beaumes, Meal, lErmite and Les Bessards), the lowest score any of these lots received was 94-96 (Les Beaumes). The other parcels all merited 97-100 points. The most dominant component part of Chaves red Hermitage comes from Les Bessards, which many consider to be the greatest vineyard on Hermitage Hill. The next largest is Meal, a vineyard with a more southerly exposure. While Chave has not made their special cuvee, Cuvee Cathelin, since 2003, I suspect one will emerge from the different lots of Les Bessards that I tasted as 2009 is certainly a year where enough wine can be culled out for the Cathelin without sacrificing the monumental quality of the regular Hermitage. This looks to be one of the wines of the vintage, which is not surprising given the fact that the Chave family has more experience than just about anybody in the winemaking world (the domaine was founded in 1481 - nearly a decade before Christopher Columbus discovered America!). Importer: David Shiverick, Los Angeles, CA; tel (213) 483-5900
    drinking window 2011 - 2019
    date of review 02/2011
    94/100
    Josh Raynolds,
    Vinous
    Pale gold. Deeply scented aromas of pit fruits and orange marmalade, with hints of smoke and botanical herbs adding complexity. Densely packed but surprisingly lithe in the mouth, offering subtly sweet pit fruit flavors and a solid mineral jolt, as well as mounting spiciness and a strong floral quality. The minerality adds lift and cut to a very long and incisive finish. Chave thinks this will close down soon and be a long ager.
    date of review 01/2011

    product details

    Specifications

    Country:
    France
    Region:
    Rhone
    Appellation:
    Hermitage
    Grape Variety:
    Marsanne Roussanne
    abv:
    14.5%

    allergen information

    This product may contain sulphites. Full allergen information is available upon request, please call our Customer Relations Team on +44 (0)20 7484 6430.