Chave 2023
I'm pleased to offer the newest release from Domaine Jean-Louis Chave. These wines represent not only the reference point for Hermitage — they are among the finest wines being produced anywhere in the world today. The tradition here is unmatched. Affixed to the neck of every bottle is a phrase that says everything you need to know about this extraordinary domaine and what they do year after year on the Hill of Hermitage: "Vignerons de père en fils depuis 1481."
Wines due to arrive early May.
Vinified with roughly 30% whole clusters, the 2023 Saint-Joseph reveals first impressions of highly fragrant orange blossom, dried violets and red cherry inflections. Midweight, round and refined, the markedly fresh 2023 can be enjoyed right out of the gate and I doubt it will ever close down.
- Vinous Media, 93
Coming in at eye level with the equally enticing 2022 I tasted last year, the 2023 Saint-Joseph Clos Florentin is a radiant beauty Ripe blad fruits, spice bax, crushed violets and hints of orange rind lead into a finely sculpted Clas Florentin that will begin to show its full potential with of least two more years in bottle.
- Vinous Media, 94
The 2023 L'Hermitage Blanc shines with immaculate balance and harmony, smoothing over the summer heatwave of the growing season without any hint of flamboyance. Instead, it delivers outstanding freshness and verve, with pronounced notes of honeysuckle, fresh pear, yellow apple, wet stone and delicate chamomile. Broad-shouldered, concentrated and sapid, the 2023 is such a gorgeous and masterfully assembled white L'Hermitage.
- Vinous Media, 96
The 2023 L'Hermitage is hountingly floral at this early stage, with captivating aromatics of rose petal, crushed violet, sour cherry, red plum, cedar and a delicate hint of orange blossom. As usual, Chave showcased individual lieux-dits, with Les Beaumes standing out this year for its lively energy and laser-like precision. That said, the wine's core pillars, Les Bessards and L'Ermite, are marked by outstanding purity. While the 2025 eventually may not match the concentration or sheer impact of the 2022, it might reveal hidden surprises as it develops further.
- Vinous Media, 94-96
