2011 Hermitage Rouge 1,5 l Jean Louis Chave
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Tasting notes
Served blind. This tasted like very young Syrah but so much riper than the Clape Cornas 2011 served alongside, I wondered whether it was from somewhere warmer than the northern Rhône – although 2011 was admittedly an exceptional vintage here. As well as the sweetness here was a certain sour fruit character but the super-polished tannins should have given the game away. With time in the glass, the wine's structure made itself felt. (JR)
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
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A structured, almost wiry wine, Chave's 2011 Hermitage remains a bit tight and tannic. That said, it still offers plenty of pleasure and has developed lovely aromas of leather, cured meat, redcurrants and black olives. Medium to full-bodied, with a rich, velvety feel on the finish, it should continue to drink well for at least another decade and probably longer. While it lacks the generosity of the very best vintages, it's a fine expression of Hermitage.
I love the 2011 Hermitage. (This vintage, in general, produced incredibly sexy, flamboyant wines that have drunk well since release.) Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by tons of sweet crème de cassis, peppery spice, sun-dried flowers, and the classic minerality that’s the defining feature of the Bessards lieu-dit that dominates this cuvée. It’s a brilliant wine on all accounts and can be enjoyed any time over the coming three decades.