Hermitage Rouge Chave 2009

With family history dating back centuries and ownership of some of the best parcels of vines in the Northern Rhône, Jean Louis Chave is undoubtedly one of the greatest producers of Hermitage Rouge and Blanc. As one of the largest landowners in the Hermitage appellation Chave has vines spread across 9 of the finest lieux-dits, with the Rouge being sourced from vines ranging between 50 and 85+ years of age. 2009 was an exceptional vintage for the region and this release certainly ranks amongst Chave’s best. It is extraordinarily powerful and intense but displays immaculate balance and remarkable precision. Coy at first but with aeration it unwinds to show brilliantly complex notes of dark fruits, spices, anise, woodsmoke and roasted meats, alongside subtle mineral accents of tilled earth and stones.