Hermitage 2006 75cl

Superior to the 2007, the 2006 Hermitage reminds me of Chave?s brilliant 1991. An incredibly subtle perfume of black raspberries, creme de cassis, camphor, and acacia flowers is followed by an elegant, concentrated wine with beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, wood, and alcohol. This seamless, gorgeously-proportioned, large-framed wine represents the definition of finesse, elegance, and terroir. It will be drinkable in several years, and should last for 20-25 years.

This is all elegance, with sleek, fine-grained structure carrying red currant, black cherry and damson plum notes that in turn give way to singed mesquite, saddle leather and lilac. A lovely sanguine edge has already appeared on the finish, but the acidity is still more than fresh. The finish echoes with fruit, iron and saucisson sec notes.—Non-blind Chave vertical (June 2012). Best from 2014 through 2030. 2,500 cases made. –JM

Superior to the 2007, the 2006 Hermitage reminds me of Chave?s brilliant 1991. An incredibly subtle perfume of black raspberries, creme de cassis, camphor, and acacia flowers is followed by an elegant, concentrated wine with beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, wood, and alcohol. This seamless, gorgeously-proportioned, large-framed wine represents the definition of finesse, elegance, and terroir. It will be drinkable in several years, and should last for 20-25 years.

This is all elegance, with sleek, fine-grained structure carrying red currant, black cherry and damson plum notes that in turn give way to singed mesquite, saddle leather and lilac. A lovely sanguine edge has already appeared on the finish, but the acidity is still more than fresh. The finish echoes with fruit, iron and saucisson sec notes.—Non-blind Chave vertical (June 2012). Best from 2014 through 2030. 2,500 cases made. –JM