2012 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc

Description

2012 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc

Domaine Jean-Louis Chaveis a powerhouse wine producer based in the village of Mauves, in theSaint-Josephregion and just over the Rhne river fromHermitage the source of the estate’s most acclaimed wines. Chave’s red and white Hermitage based onSyrahandMarsanne and Roussannerespectively are some of the most important in theRhne Valley, commanding both high prices and exceptional, sometimes100-pointscores.

Critical Acclaim

97 Wine Spectator

A stunner from the start, with distinctive depth to the creamed mango, white peach and heather flavors, this maintains superior precision and definition as the singed almond, chamomile, salted butter and ginger notes fill in. Glazed pear, elderflower honey and beeswax details chime in on the extremely long finish. Enjoyable now, but needs serious cellaring to show its full potential. Best from 2016 through 2037.

96 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Much more open, fleshy and sexy, the 2012 Hermitage Blanc was just bottled a month prior to this tasting. Coming from lErmite, Les Rocoules, Maison Blanche and Peleat lieux-dits, its always a rough blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne thats aged in barrel. Loaded with notions of honeysuckle, orange marmalade, powered rock, buttered citrus and green almond, its full-bodied, rich, upfront and fruit load. While I think it will be relatively accessible early in its life, it has the concentration to hold for two decades.

96 Vinous

Tasted in single-site components from tanks as the wine awaited blending: #1, from Peleat: Ripe pear and honey aromas, with a suave floral accent and a hint of smoky minerals. At once rich and lively, showing excellent back-end power. #2, from Rocoules: Intense, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas, with a sexy floral nuance building with air. Bright, focused and mineral-driven, with a strong Meyer lemon quality lingering on the tangy finish. #3, also from Rocoules: Showing more emphasis on orchard fruit than the first Rocoules tank, with powerful quince and pear flavors and a touch of bitter quinine. Dusty minerals sharpen the long, sappy finish. #4, from l’Ermite: Spicy citrus zest and ginger scents along with a chalky mineral note and a hint of anise. Smoky and penetrating, with superb finishing clarity and lingering spiciness. #5, also from l’Ermite: More floral and masculine than the previous l’Ermite, with strong jasmine and orchard fruit character and a touch of bitter quinine. Bright and nervy on the finish, which doesn’t want to let up.