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Hermitage Rouge 2004

Chave, J-L

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Tasting Notes

The first vintage that seems approachable now, this pumps out a very friendly core of steeped red currant, blackberry cherry and plum fruit, with exuberant acidity, mouthwatering cocoa and pain d'épices notes followed by a long, incense- and black tea-infused finish. Has the stuffing and balance to age further, but thoroughly delicious now. - Non-blind Chave vertical (June 2012). Drink now through 2030.

Score: 96

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2012-2030 01 January 2012

This red offers a gorgeous beam of currant and fig paste, surrounded by ample supple tannins and notes of coffee, worn leather, violet, licorice snaps and iron. The long, rich finish has nice detail now, but better to cellar this for maximum effect. Best from 2008 through 2022. 3,000 cases made.

Score: 95

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2008-2022 30 September 2007

Deep crimson, looks bluer than the Chapoutier. Big and bloody on the nose - very complex. Some liquorice. Heady and rich. Lovely broad palate-covering stuff. Really fills all the corners of the palate. Quite rich and reverberant. Already quite rewarding - quite surprisingly approachable, although there is lots of dusty tannin on the finish. Very complete and subtle. Great balance. (18+ points)

Score: 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2010-2027 06 October 2009

The 2004 red Hermitage, which was given a much longer time in barrel and small foudre than normal because the Chaves determined the tannins and the acids needed a longer time to integrate, is a beauty. The wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color, a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, black cherry, licorice, pepper, and a hint of olive paste. It is a full-bodied wine that tastes atypical for this vintage with its beautifully integrated acidity and sweet tannin. The wine is structured, more masculine and backward than the over-the-top, full-throttle 2003. Readers could probably think of it as an improved, modern-day version of the 1988 or 1998.

Score: 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2011-2031 01 April 2007