Jean-Louis Chave, Hermitage 2006

robert_parker98

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

I tasted through the cuvees of 2006 Hermitage, and the least of them was probably the elegant Peleat, but it was still outstanding. Several of the cuvees, such as Meal, Bessards, and Les Beaumes, were upper 90-point material. This should turn out to be a great, great vintage for their red Hermitage as it reveals the classic cassis, crushed rock, and pepper characteristics along with enormous power, unctuosity, and richness. Licorice and black olive notes are also apparent. This is a dead-ringer for the 1991 Chave Hermitage, which is drinking spectacularly well today. A bastion of traditionalism and terroir-sensitive winemaking, the Chaves, both father Gerard and son Jean-Louis, continue to establish higher and higher standards for artisanal, high quality winemaking without manipulation or compromise. As I have said many times in the past, after more than two dozen visits to their cellars in Mauves, the Chave address remains one of the most extraordinary places of learning in the wine world. Most importantly, they have had a remarkable succession of successful vintages that began in 1994. Importer: Langdon Shiverick, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 483-5900

robert_parker97

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted from Yapp’s reserves at a private vertical. Compared to the 2005, the 2006 Hermitage from J-L Chave is earthier and more broody, but there are obviously tightly coiled black fruits that are destined to unwind in coming years, perhaps with melted tar and cracked black pepper. The palate is medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, the tannins a little “thicker” than the 2005 and certainly with more weight towards the finish that lacquers the mouth in pure...Hermitage. Fantastic. The kind of wine that leaves you desperate for an original superlative! Drink 2015-2035. Tasted March 2009.

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck

Chave's 2006 Hermitage is a fabulous example of the classic style of the estate, as well as of the more forward, charming nature of the vintage. Offering up a gorgeous bouquet of caramelized black fruits, cassis, tapenade, spring flowers and an undeniable minerality, this beautiful Hermitage is fresh, lively and incredibly elegant on the palate, yet still packs gorgeous amounts of fruit and texture, with plenty of wow factor. While still youthful, it delivers loads of pleasure, and will keep for another two decades or more.

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Superior to the 2007, the 2006 Hermitage reminds me of Chave’s brilliant 1991. An incredibly subtle perfume of black raspberries, creme de cassis, camphor, and acacia flowers is followed by an elegant, concentrated wine with beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, wood, and alcohol. This seamless, gorgeously-proportioned, large-framed wine represents the definition of finesse, elegance, and terroir. It will be drinkable in several years, and should last for 20-25 years. One of my favorite true and authentic vignerons to visit is the Chave family, located in the tiny, one-horse village of Mauves, just south of Tournon. The son, Jean-Louis, is taking over the reins more and more, but his father, Gerard, is still involved even though he is officially retired. As always, these wines performed brilliantly. Readers should keep in mind that the reviews of the 2007 white Hermitage and 2007 red Hermitage are a matter of extrapolating from tasting all the separate vineyards that go into these wines. That said, the Chaves appear to be ratcheting up their quality level because of a Draconian selection process in the vineyard as well as in the winery. The Chave estate wines’ finest value is St.-Joseph (5,000 bottles produced in each vintage), which comes from hillside vines planted in pure schist just outside their home village of Mauves. Importer: Langdon-Shiverick, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 483-5900