Wines Vineyard Holdings:
The 2001 L’Hermitage has aged gracefully. Vivid iodine, black olive tapenade, dried violet, forest floor, cured meat and wet tea bag all race out of the glass. Medium-bodied and distinctively refreshing, the palate gradually brings out more flavors, revealing dried red and black fruits, game, black pepper and a finely tuned herbal edge. Coming in around 13% alcohol, the 2001 is drinking beautifully now, yet it has plenty of structure and substance to tackle at least five more years.
Anticipated maturity: 2007-2029
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.
Anticipated maturity: 2011-2035
Orange peel, bergamot, herbs, lavender and a toffee/caramel note on the palate. Sheer joy, and as usual, not an ounce of fat on display. (RH)
Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025
