Great color even at age 34. The cork was purple. A good nose and it drank better early, but held together for a roast chicken and stuffing dinner — a month ago
The 1994 was initially a bit shy on the nose but after many hours in the decanter, it showed such amazing character. In fact, it shared some characteristics with a lightly peated single malt scotch, with light smoke, marmalade, honey, golden raspberry and wet stone. More of its character was unlocked with food. In this case, monkfish, sweet potato, leek, and winter truffle. Drink now through 2034+ — a month ago
Brought to a dinner with some guests visiting from Piemonte. The 2008 “Taillepieds” pours a deep ruby with a translucent core; medium viscosity with no obvious staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with tart and slightly underripe strawberry, cherry, mushrooms, red flowers, varnish (yeah, there’s some VA) stony earth and delicate baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin, medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The body is fit and the finish is long and full of energy. This is a really attractive beauty; the sort that you might feel compelled to apologize to for gawking. And, while I found this to be really tasty at nearly 16 years of age, it clearly has a long way to go. Drink now through 2033+. — 24 days ago
It’s always a resounding ‘YES’ for JL Chave!!
That includes this luscious and concentrated Syrah from Saint-Joseph AOC in the Northern Rhône of France.
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is a benchmark and icon of the Rhône Valley – a family-run operation since 1481 – with an entire range of deliciousness through the Domaine Jean-Louis Chave and JL Chave Selection portfolios.
This wine is deep ruby, trending on purple. It has pronounced aromas and flavors of boysenberry, blueberry, black cherry, cassis, pomegranate, also violet, bacon, sanguine, saddle leather, pipe tobacco, clove, cigar, damp earth, and black peppercorn. Alcohol is high (14.5% ABV) with medium (+) fine-grained and well-integrated tannins, medium (+) acidity, a medium (+) body, and a long, elegant finish.
It has a rustic and savory character with robust dark fruit notes; it’s layered, complex, structured, and age-worthy, benefitting from decanting. Still, it’s tasting wonderfully now.
Cheers to JL Chave and treasures of the Rhône!! — 22 days ago
Can’t tell if not in a great spot or maybe some slight heat damage—but leaning to the latter. Tasty, but not as good as it should have been — a month ago
Not to be outdone, the 1989 Chave Hermitage Rouge showed more brambles than the ’88 along with other desiccated blue and black fruits. Dried flowers, beef, blood, leather and mushrooms. Every time I have the pleasure of drinking old Chave, I’m reminded that these wines have so much character and there is a reason they are so adored. Lovely with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Drink now through 2040. — a month ago
Ron Siegel
Better than my last btl showing pear, citrus, mineral, white flower with good acidity. — 15 days ago