Hermitage Rouge, J-L Chave 2001

This under-the-radar vintage of Chave's Hermitage continues to impress every time. The 2001 Hermitage offers ethereal hints of violets and dried spices on the nose, set against a complex backdrop of redcurrants and green olives. Tasted at the domaine, this bottle came across as exceptionally youthful and still somewhat firm, capable of aging well for at least another decade. 2011 - 2035

Leading off the vertical and coming from a year described as ""easy"" by Jean-Louis, the 2001 Hermitage is a beautiful wine that possesses an elegant, perfumed and classical feel. Lavender, garrigue, violets and impressive dark fruit all emerge from the glass, and it shows more minerality and cut on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness and depth. Showing very little evolution, it nevertheless has plenty of charm at this stage. Ideally, it will be given another 3-4 years in the cellar, and it should shine for decade or more after that.

Very dark crimson. Dense and dark crimson. Punchy and earthy, very lively. Chewy finish. Long. Not quite ready yet. Grainy texture. Teenage. 2013 - 2030

A complex mix of aromas: spice, liquorice and aromatic meatiness. Fine, dry, tight and beautifully balanced. Youthful but somehow already complete. The dry finish gives freshness instead of drying the palate. There’s plenty of oaky spice too but it does not dominate.