2010 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Hermitage from JL Chave is mineral and taut, unwinding in the glass with a typically brooding bouquet of pepper, spices, dark berries, thyme and bay leaf mingled with hints of smoke. Full-bodied, dense, rich and powerful, it's concentrated and layered with powdery, structured tannins, subtle dry extracts and a long, granite finish. Smoky and meaty, it needs time to chill out, even if structured tannins could reduce its aging potential severely.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
We compared a magnum of 2010 L’Hermitage from Domaine J.L. Chave that was consistent with the magnum poured at Medlar just a few weeks earlier.
The 2010 L’Hermitage is just as intense on the nose, maybe higher-toned with a little more VA than the 2016. Black plum, cassis, allspice and a huge dose of extravagance, this is Hermitage pumping on all cylinders. The palate is armed with silky tannins, enormous depth with no hard edges. Its opulence brilliantly disguises the structure underneath – a fabulous wine that has decades ahead.
A wine I’ve rated perfect on more than one occasion, the 2010 Hermitage from Jean-Louis was closed and reticent on this occasion, with lots of red and black fruits, saddle leather, dried herbs and lots of minerality. Full-bodied, tight and reserved at the moment, it’s starting to shed its massive wealth of fruit and needs to be cellared for another 4-5 years.
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.