2007 Domaine Jean Louis Chave, Hermitage, Blanc 1x750ml

Robert Parker 94

Tasted at Christies’ a oeKings of the Rhonea tasting in London. This looks set to become a sublime Hermitage Blanc from J-L Chave. It has taciturn bouquet at first the elicits coaxing from the glass, but eventually offers dried honey, lavender, bees wax, lanolin and a touch of fresh ginger. The palate has a viscous entry with superb balance, just a slight oxidative note in the background imparting hints of smoke and walnut. It may warrant a higher mark in the future when it settles down. Sublime. Tasted May 2011. [Neal Martin, 01/05/2011]

Vinous 94+

Bright yellow. Mineral-driven aromas of white peach, nectarine, orange zest and anise, plus an exotic note of yellow Chartreuse. Fleshy orchard and pit fruit flavors enter with very good breadth and richness but the minerality clamps the fruit down in the middle palate and a zesty, peppery element contributes lift and cut. Extremely young and not offering much in the way of complexity on the palate now. The strong, incisive finish strongly echoes the spice and mineral notes. This one demands patience. [Josh Raynolds, 01/01/2010]