Wine Advisor
Jean-Louis Chave, Hermitage Blanc 1990
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Gerard Chave has made many great wines, but his 1990s are extra special. His white Hermitage ages magnificently, not displaying its full character for 8-10 years. In great years, it possesses almost immortal longevity, as recent bottles of the 1952 and 1929 prove. The 1990 white Hermitage possesses even more richness than the 1991. It exhibits the same floral, honeyed, apricot, fig, and roasted nut-scented nose, but with more structure, as the wine's grip and delineation are impeccable. Although approachable now, this full-bodied, rich wine is a candidate for several decades of cellaring. Importers: Langdon-Shiverick, Chagrin Falls, OH and Kermit Lynch, Berkeley, CA.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This bold, rich, powerful wine exhibits a floral, honeyed, apricot, fig, and roasted nut-scented nose. It has considerable size, as well as copious fat and fruit. Still approachable, this full-bodied, rich wine is a candidate for several decades of cellaring. It had not begun to close up when last tasted. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. Last tasted 8/96.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Bottles of the 1990 Hermitage Blanc tasted wonderful 5-6 years ago, but this magnum falls a little flat, as if someone (time?) has expunged it of the vivacity and mineralite it once showed. The nose is comparatively muted compared to the younger 1995 and 1996 with traces of dried flowers, honeycomb and marshmallow. Rounded in texture with good weight, some alcohol showing through, the finish coming across as a little fatigued, the bottle opened by Jason Yapp was better last year. Tasted June 2010.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted from Yapp’s reserves at a private vertical. A similar colour to the Blanc ’82. There is obviously much more fruit concentration, brioche, almond, creme fraiche, a touch of moss and spice. Very good definition and lift. The palate is just superb: vibrant, fresh, spicy...almost Oriental! Lovely harmony, fully mature with notes of lanolin, thyme, orange zest and almond. So much glycerol here, it just lacquers the mouth. Very good weight and length – a point. Drink now-2015. Tasted March 2009.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Very clear, light straw colour. A very intense nose of petrol, beeswax and apricot that somehow reminds me of a mature Rheingau. Very well balanced on the palate with moderate, not high acidity. Aromatic, almonds, passion fruit and kiwi with a creamy texture on the finish. White Rhone is not my style, but this is certainly very impressive. Drink now. Tasted February 2005.
