Jean-Louis Chave
Domaine Chave was founded in 1481. It has been blessed with an “incredible succession of talented vignerons” (Jeb Dunnuck) through the ages. Gérard Chave ran the estate until Gérard before slowly handing over to son Jean-Louis Chave. This is a traditional estate which keeps an eye on the future (a recently completed new cellar includes a state-of-the-art lab). Vinification is in three large oak upright casks. Aging is in small French oak barrels with the amount of new oak falling in the 20-30% range. The wines are then blended in tank and bottled without being filtered. If needed, the wines can see a light egg-white fining before bottling.
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Rhone | 1 | 93 (VT) | HK$86,110.00 | |||||
Vintage Tastings (93)had a touch of stink, just a pinch, and was very meaty and earthy. It had enough menthol to clear out the average sinus and a farm/hay/barnyard edge. The palate was very taut with lots of minerals, alcohol and acid. It was hot and seemed young with its enormous alcohol concentration |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (WCI) | HK$170,740.00 | |||||
The Wine Cellar Insider (100)This is thrilling to swirl, sniff and sip from the moment the wine hits your glass. Elegant, concentrated, long, rich and refined, the smoky, earthy, rock-strewn fruits grace your palate and linger for at least 60 seconds! Prices for this gem have really shot up over the past few years. If you are lucky enough to have a bottle or two, or you have the disposable income, this is a heart-stopping tasting experience. |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (WA) | HK$87,065.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (100)The greatest wines Chave has produced since 2003 are the two cuvees of 2009 Hermitage. The 2009 Hermitage exhibits a black/purple color along with a sumptuous nose of roasted meats, ground pepper, black currants, blackberry jam, and subtle smoke and licorice. The extraordinary bouquet is followed by a wine of extravagant intensity as well as tremendous focus and precision. While not as powerful as the blockbuster 2003, the amazing 2009 may turn out to be a modern day version of their magnificent 1990 (which is drinking incredibly well at present). Anyone who loves Hermitage and has a cold cellar should be lining up to get a few bottles of this beauty. |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (WA) | HK$99,630.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (100)Pure perfection, the 2010 Hermitage reminds Jean-Louis Chave of their 1990. It appears to be a richer, fresher example of what I remember the 1990 tasting like in 1992. The wine exhibits an opaque purple color along with an extraordinary bouquet of sweet blackberry fruit intermixed with creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, acacia flowers, bouquet garni, meat and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and stunningly rich with laser-like precision, this is a powerful, massive yet exceptionally well-balanced wine that should be forgotten for a decade and drunk over the following 30-40 years. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93 (VN) | HK$8,515.00 | |||||
Vinous (93)(made with 25 percent whole clusters) Inky ruby. Pungent, spice-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, candied violet, licorice and smoky minerals. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering pliant black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors that are complemented and lifted by a jolt of peppery spices. Becomes sweeter and deeper with air, with no loss of energy, and finishes sappy and very long; smooth tannins add shape and grip. |
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Rhone | 1 | - | HK$7,120.00 | |||||