Doug Powers

9.5

Wow, nearly one year later another pristine, non-cork-tainted, bottle of this outstanding 35-year-old Hermitage — outstanding fruit which is still surprisingly youthful, complex, long finish, just an amazing wine that seems 10 more years from maturity (good cork dependent), great juice!!! — 10 days ago

with Jim

Jay Kline

9.2

The fruit for "La Chapelle" is sourced predominantly from Le Méal and Bessards (with a little form Greffieux and Rocoules. Relative to the two Chave’s, the 1988 “La Chapelle” seems a bit more like a Hermitage fastball right down the middle of the plate. Desiccated mixed berries, olives, purple flowers, and minerals with a touch of ethyl acetate. Again a great pairing with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Vinous and drinking well now through 2035. — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.3

100% old-vine Marsanne from the Les Murets lieu dit which is predominantly east facing on the hill. This was the most powerful of the three Hermitage Blancs tonight. The nose was redolent of marmalade, honey, butter cream frosting, and slate. Luxurious texture with a long finish. Lovely with monkfish, sweet potato, leek, and winter truffle. Drink now through 2034+. — a month ago

Michael Greene

9.5

Brilliant Syrah. Still young but open. Velvety tannin. Inky dark fruit. Dried herbs. Amazing with rotisserie leg of lamb. — 16 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

The vines for Chapoutiers “L’Ermite” are largely pre-phylloxera and some are well over a century old. Along with the typical associated fruits and non-fruits: brambles, spiced grilled meat and minerals, this bottle of the 1999 had a bit of a radish note, some old dusty leather-bound books and also had a touch of ethyl acetate. A touch closed relative to the other wines in the Hermitage flight but certainly didn’t seem to be fading and the grilled lamb and Moroccan spices helped to unlock some of its character. Drink now through 2035. Merci Dave!  — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.3

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

Ron Siegel

9.2

Big fan of this producer where his Crozes never disappoints. This had dark cherry, berry fruit, mineral, licorice spice & violet — 19 days ago

Jacob Onufrychuk

9.5

Just ridiculously good. Such a deep purple color, smells and tastes of blueberry and plum. Long finish that coats my mouth with that dark fruit taste. — 19 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

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

Jay Kline

9.4

100% old-vine Marsanne from the Le Méal lieu dit which is predominately south facing. A wine of beauty and balance with notes of yellow flowers, wet stone and honey suckle. Surprisingly fresh for a 2007. Super delicious with monkfish, sweet potato, leek, and winter truffle. Drink now through 2037. — a month ago