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Tasting notes
A brooding, earthy nose which blossoms with air to reveal black fruit, Crème de Cassis and a sweet floral note. Sour plums and concentrated, but fresh blackberries mingle with earthy wood, integrated acidity and tannins to create a super-elegant, beautifully structured wine.
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Granite dust, dried red fruits, tobacco and leathery pulses introduce the complex 2006 L'Hermitage, whose edgy tannins provide commendable structure. Authoritative and expansive, it edges out with precision and fine-woven poise on the long finale. I recommend decanting for at least two hours for anyone who wishes to pull the cork today.
Honeyed, orange-peel nose with toasted nuts and baked apple. Fleshy and soft but saline and precise too. Warm alcohol. Seems to be fraying just slightly at the edges. I'd be tempted to drink this sooner rather later. (RH)
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.
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.