Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage 1.5L 2000 bottle - Vins Rare

96 WA

94 VM

Notes:

Along with the single vineyard offerings from Michel Chapoutier, Chaves 2000 Hermitage is a candidate for this appellations wine of the vintage. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by sumptuous aromas of licorice, blackberries, currants, spice box, and earth. Deep, full-bodied, and rich, with moderately high tannin, it is atypical for the vintage given its structure and density (two characteristics most 2000 northern Rhones lack). It is a brilliant achievement in a challenging year. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2035. 96 points

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 03
($150) Saturated ruby. Superripe aromas of blackberry, blueberry, clove, minerals and black licorice. Very ripe but precise and penetrating. At once lush and powerful; seamless but with terrific thrust. Black fruit, flint, spice and dark chocolate flavors offer considerable density and verve. Finishes with substantial noble tannins that arrive very late. Has all the elements for longevity. Give this 10 to 12 years before pulling the cork. This comes across as a bit denser than the young 2001 but not finer. The Chaves clearly did a superb job of harvesting in 2000. 94(+?) points

Vins Rare