2016 Domaine Jean Louis Chave, Hermitage, Rouge 1×1.5L

Vinous 97

The 2016 L’Hermitage came from another magnum. This strides authoritatively into the room wanting to make a big impression with its penetrating scents of maraschino cherries, blueberry and cassis on the nose, bunches of violet intermingling with olive tapenade. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins and spine-tingling acidity. Yes, it is way too young to broach, yet the pedigree of this Hermitage is patently obvious. [Neal Martin, 06/03/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2030-2070

Robert Parker 97

Still mostly in separate components, the 2016 Hermitage nevertheless looks sensational. Les Beaumes was very pretty and red fruited, with silky tannins (94 – 96). Le Meal was putting itself forward as plush and velvety, with flowers, crushed stone and ripe fruit (95 – 97). A combined sample of les Bessards and l’Hermite showed great, granite-derived structure allied to licorice and cassis (96 – 98). [Joe Czerwinski, 09/11/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040