Jean-Louis Chave, Hermitage 2017

robert_parker99

Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski

Jean-Louis Chave had done some preblending of the 2017 Hermitage at the time of my visit, meaning several parcels had already been combined with others, so there were fewer components to taste. A sample that included some L'Ermite, Les Beaumes and Péléat was fragrant, loaded with peppery spice and came across as slightly open-knit (93 - 95). A second component, mostly Le Méal, was richer and riper-tasting, with lush fruit and hints of roasted meat (97 - 99). Finally, a sample Jean-Louis described as "more the core of the blend" (mainly Les Bessards) was simultaneously firm and generous, with notes of crushed stone, cassis and licorice (98 - 100).

robert_parker98

Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski

I tasted five components that Jean-Louis expects will represent about 80% of the volume of his 2017 Hermitage. Les Beaumes was unbelievably seductive and enveloping, redolent of red fruit and flowers (96 - 98). Péléat was similar in style but less expansive (94 - 96). L'Hermite was a monument to crushed stone, simultaneously dense yet light (98 - 100). Le Méal was open, ripe, red berried but perhaps lacking a bit of structure (94 - 96). Les Bessards (the largest component in most years) was a near-perfect blend of flowers, fruit and stones (97 - 99).

vinous97

Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds

Saturated ruby. Displays expansive aromas of ripe blackberry, cherry liqueur, licorice, candied flowers and olive, plus spice and mineral nuances that build as the wine opens up. At once weighty and energetic in character, offering densely packed black/blue fruit preserve flavors and hints of violet candy, star anise, black tea and smoky minerals. Finishes juicy, lively and strikingly long, with repeating spice and floral notes and steadily building tannins.

vinous97

Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds

#1) Beaumes: Seductively perfumed red fruit qualities on the nose and palate. In a silky, vaguely Burgundian style, as usual, with seamless texture and strong mineral and floral notes driving the finish. #2) Peleat: From 80+ year old vines. Bright and energetic, showing high-pitched red fruit and violet scents and flavors, a touch of spiciness, steadily building mineral character. Powerful yet lithe, with a mineral-drenched finish that leaves black raspberry and floral pastille notes behind. #3) Ermite: Assertive, highly complex aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, licorice candy and potpourri, with mineral and spice notes in the background. #4) Méal: Displays extroverted, mineral-accented blueberry, cassis, cherry and exotic spice aromas and flavors. A suave violet pastille nuance builds steadily with air. Distinctly rich but the main quality that I get here is balance and finesse. Blends power and delicacy smoothly, with rounded tannins and no rough edges. #5) Bessards: Mineral-accented blackberry and blueberry on the nose, with exotic spice and floral notes adding complexity. Densely packed dark fruit preserve flavors pick up smoky bacon and candied violet accents and show excellent clarity, building tannins and superb, minerally finishing thrust.