1996 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc
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Tasting notes
After 30 years, the 1996 L'Hermitage Blanc stood the test of time, showing no trace of mushroom aromas instead displaying delicate dried honeysuckle and chamomile, wet stone and dried grass. Lean and elegant, the 1996 evens out with gentle persistence.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Among the whites, I especially admired the 1995 Chave Hermitage Blanc for its complex bouquet of truffles, honey, flowers and spices, all of which flowed through to the unctuous finish. This rich, explosive wine was utterly captivating. I also loved the 1996, which impressed for its cool, brilliant personality and impeccable finish.
The bottled 1996 Hermitage white is sensational. It is a powerful, heady, alcoholic, deep, chewy, superb white Hermitage offering notes of grilled nuts, sherry fino-like scents, thick, juicy, honeyed citrus, and a touch of peach and roses. Structured and powerful, it should have 10-15 or more years of longevity. Importers: Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800 and Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 524-1524
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.