Domaine Jean-Louis Chave - Hermitage 2020

Price: $400.00

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Producer	Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
Country	France
Region	Rhone Valley
Subregion	Hermitage
Varietal	Syrah (Shiraz)
Vintage	2020
Sku	12106386
Size	750ml

 

WS

97

WA

98

D

98

JD

100

Generally 100% destemmed, as the Hermitage is meant to be about the expression of the individual vineyards and soils and Jean-Louis believes that stems have a tendency to level out the differences. Fermentation in wood tonneaux and stainless steel tanks. Aged in barriques for 30 months.

Tasted out of tank, the 2020 Hermitage ranks with the legendary wines from this address. Reminding me of a slightly more elegant version of the 2010, it's a deep, inky hued effort revealing utterly classic Hermitage aromatics of darker cassis and blue fruits as well as a liquid rock-like sense of minerality. Young and primordial, it still has incredible purity and freshness in its aromatics. Full-bodied and powerful on the palate, this gorgeous wine is going to shine with just 4-6 years of bottle age yet age with the best of them. I would not be surprised to see this beauty have 40, 50, or even 60 years of life.

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.

What you find in the whites, you find in the reds,' says Jean-Louis Chave, alluding to the natural freshness and balance in the 2020 Hermitage lieux-dits. This shows a good sense of finesse, with discreet, elegant tannins and intensity without great power. It is a concentrated but restrained vintage of elegance and great precision.

Enchanting and complex, with stunning textural purity. Offers black cherry enveloped by mulling spices, gently toasted sandalwood and warm iron, with mocha and cigar box accents. Shows a pleasing chewiness as this builds in concentration and lushness toward the long, salty, mineral-rich finish. Just approaching perfect harmony, this will continue to evolve in gorgeous ways for years. Outstanding.