In Bond Fine Wine. 1999 J-L Chave Hermitage Rouge, Hermitage, Rhone, France. Red Rhone in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 97/100 (NM). Drinking window: 2009–2052. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Robert Parker (RP) — 96/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 30/04/2002 · Drink 2009-2052
The dense saturated purple-colored 1999 Hermitage had been bottled only 24 hours before my visit. It is a brilliant effort. The wine exhibits fabulous texture, purity, and sweetness as well as a finish that lasts for nearly a minute. There is high tannin, remarkably rich, concentrated extract, and tell-tale Hermitage fruit characteristics (blackberries, cassis), minerals, and spice. This is the g…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 95/100 · Vinous, 01/05/2014
The 1999 Hermitage is huge, with a deep, enveloping core of dark red and black fruit, smoke, tobacco and cured meats. Wild overtones run through the finish. Today the 1999 does not appear to be an especially refined Hermitage, but at the same time, I would be tempted to cellar bottles for a few years, as the density of the fruit is almost overpowering, especially next to some of the more polished…
Neal Martin (NM) — 97/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 01/03/2009 · Drink 2015-2030
Tasted from Yapp's reserves at a private vertical. A brilliant Hermitage from J-L Chave. A deep garnet core with ruby rim. The nose is very intense with blackberry, wild hedgerow, smoke, flint and a touch of Provencal herbs. Wonderful definition and it builds and builds in intensity in the glass, evolving more black liquorices scents. The palate is full-bodied, symmetrical, very good weight and d…