Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage 2003

The granite hills of Hermitage rise above the Rhone at Tain l'Hermitage where the river bends sharply to the east before resuming a southward flow. This gives the vineyards a direct southern exposure. Vines have been grown here since Roman times, and Pliney wrote favorably about the wines of the ... more

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage 2005

The 2005 Hermitage is a frighteningly backward, tannic, broodingly dense, formidable wine. Its dense purple color is followed by notions of road tar, spring flowers, camphor, creme de cassis, licorice, and earth. It displays high tannin, huge extract and richness, with fresh acidity. I agree with the Chaves that this ... more

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Cuvée Cathelin 2003

The stupendous 2003 Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin was never racked from barrel to barrel, nor was any SO2 utilized. Readers should think of it as the concentrated essence of a Chave Hermitage. It is a port-like effort that is neither hot, pruny, nor overripe despite what the numbers might suggest. As ... more

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave St. Joseph Offerus 2005

Juicy, with lots of briar, black cherry and sweet spice notes backed by solid, medium-weight grip. A nice snappy red licorice note checks in on the finish. Drink now through 2011. more

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur 2006