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Tasting notes
The 2001 L'Hermitage has aged gracefully. Vivid iodine, black olive tapenade, dried violet, forest floor, cured meat and wet tea bag all race out of the glass. Medium-bodied and distinctively refreshing, the palate gradually brings out more flavors, revealing dried red and black fruits, game, black pepper and a finely tuned herbal edge. Coming in around 13% alcohol, the 2001 is drinking beautifully now, yet it has plenty of structure and substance to tackle at least five more years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
This under-the-radar vintage of Chave's Hermitage continues to impress every time. The 2001 Hermitage offers ethereal hints of violets and dried spices on the nose, set against a complex backdrop of redcurrants and green olives. Tasted at the domaine, this bottle came across as exceptionally youthful and still somewhat firm, capable of aging well for at least another decade.
Reminding me slightly of a lighter weight 1999, the 2001 Hermitage is another wine just now coming into its prime drink window. Still youthful ruby-hued with little lightening at the rim, it offers complex notes of red and black currants, new saddle leather, spicy herbs and flowers. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, with bright acidity and beautiful balance, drink this classic, regal, complex Hermitage over the coming decade.
Orange peel, bergamot, herbs, lavender and a toffee/caramel note on the palate. Sheer joy, and as usual, not an ounce of fat on display. (RH)
About the producer
The Chaves have been growing grapes in the Northern Rhône since 1481. Jean-Louis Chave is the 16th generation to head up the family domaine, having taken over from his father in 1992.