2009 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc
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Tasting notes
I’ve thought the 2009 Hermitage Blanc was pure perfection just about every time I’ve been lucky enough to taste it. Thrilling notes of quince, honeysuckle, buttered citrus, and liquid rock all emerge from this flamboyant, sexy, yet seamless and classic white that could come from nowhere else than this magical hillside terroir outside of Tain l’Hermitage. It’s a thrill a second today but will keep for 40-50 years. It’s a heavenly, magical Hermitage Blanc.
Critic scores
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
From one of the greatest years in Hermitage, Jean Louis Chave's 2009 Hermitage Blanc is quite possibly the greatest white ever from this estate (the 2013 will certainly be in the same league, but in a different style) and tops out on my scale. An utterly profound wine in every way, it offers to-die-for notes of liquid rock, licorice, buttered citrus, honey and quince. This gives way to a voluptuous, full-bodied, decadent and heavenly Hermitage Blanc that has massive richness and mid-palate depth while always staying fresh, pure and focused. This is insanely good white that will have half a century of longevity. Bravo!
Bright yellow. Heady, seductively perfumed bouquet evokes fresh pit fruits, citrus zest, honeydew and ginger, with a touch of licorice in the background. Stains the palate with intense nectarine and pear skin flavors braced by vibrant minerality. Rich but strikingly lithe on the finish, which leaves potent spice and citrus fruit notes behind.
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.