2022 Hermitage

Now in bottle, the 2022 L'Hermitage confirms my enthusiastic initial assessment when I first tasted various single-vineyard barrel samples back in 2023. It soars from the glass with pronounced dried violets, white pepper, orange rind, spice box and delicately woven glimmers of cassis. On the palate, the 2022 first expands with full-bodied, aristocratic breadth before turning inward into a narrowly focused elixir. Despite the warm growing season, the vigor and freshness captured in this red L'Hermitage from Jean-Louis Chave are breathtaking. Though built for at least two more decades, the 2022 is irresistible today, provided it receives a proper decant.

The 2022 Hermitage from Jean-Louis Chave is broad and deep, bursting with aromas of smoke, licorice and dark wild berries mingled with delicate notes of fresh thyme and spices. Full-bodied, dense and powerful, layered and concentrated, it has a fleshy palate with a broad attack, racy mid-palate, velvety tannins and a mordant, somewhat firm finish. Remarkably, despite the sunny, dry conditions of the vintage, the wine does not exhibit an overtly warm character. This Hermitage stands out at this address as a particularly unique expression, rewarding those who are patient.

Cask samples tasted at the domaine. Sample 1 : Péléat. Very floral aromas, earthy underneath. A real sense of salinity and freshness on the palate. Sample 2 : Beaume. Really powerful with a spiced note – mocha – rich and opulent. Sample 3 : Le Méal. Sweet spice, sandalwood, perfumed violet notes. Firm but supple and textured tannins. Sample 4 : L'Hermite. Wow – such expression. Cassis and crushed blackberry. Violet with berries on the palate, crunchy and a real sense of freshness. Sample 5 : Bessards. Dried flowers, violets. Real grip on the palate with an underlying steely freshness. A slight Islay whisky smoked peaty note underneath. (AC)