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domaine jean louis chave, hermitage, rouge 2018
JEB DUNNUCK
100
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE
100

2018 domaine jean louis chave, hermitage, rouge

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Why We're Buying

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave has been family-operated since 1481, spanning 25 generations. In that time, it's made a name for itself with Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage, a syrah that reached a $400 price tag in 2021. In addition to annual critical acclaim, this red wine earned three stars from Guide Hachette des Vins, the highest possible rating.

Critics Scores

JEB DUNNUCK
100

Jeb Dunnuck

Lastly, the 2018 Hermitage is still resting in its individual components, and it’s such an education tasting through the samples from Bessards, Péléat, Méal, and Beaumes. In some years, each terroir is easy to see (the spice and complexity from Péléat, the opulence from the Méal, etc.), yet in 2018, the Méal was more structured and inward and the l’Ermite was shockingly opulent and powerful. The crème de la crème was the sample from Les Bessards, and wine doesn’t get any better than that in my opinion. Regardless, all the samples possess incredible quality and show classic, powerful aromatics reminiscent of a classic, almost cooler year paired with massive richness, depth, and structure on the palate. Possibly coming closest in my mind to a hypothetical mix of the 2009 and 2010, this is a legendary Chave Hermitage in the making.

ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE
100

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

As virtually all of the various components of Chave's 2018 Hermitage were still separate, I've given a rating that reflects the variability I saw when tasting through the barrels and made a guess regarding Jean-Louis's blending sensibilities and available volumes. For example, the Péléat (92 - 94), a pretty, red-fruited element could add freshness but is likely to be a small portion of the blend (if it's even included). More impressive were the lush, mouthfilling Les Beaumes (95 -97) and stony, elegant Le Méal (94 - 96). Lots from L'Ermite (98 - 100) and Les Bessards (98 - 100) will likely make up the bulk of the blend, oozing with liquid stone, intense blueberry and cassis fruit, and possessing firm yet ripe structures.

VINOUS
98

Vinous

Tasted in components. #1, from Peleat: suave and highly perfumed, with distinct red fruit preserve and floral character. Smooth, seamless, and almost Pinot-like in its vibrant and weightless character. Extremely well-hidden tannins come in late. #2, from Les Beaume; #3, from Ermite, #4, from Meal, #5, from Bessards.