In Bond Fine Wine. 2001 J-L Chave Hermitage Rouge, Hermitage, Rhone, France. Red Rhone in 3x150cl. Top critic score: 95/100 (WA). Drinking window: 2007–2035. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
James Molesworth (JM) — 95/100 · Wine Spectator, 31/08/2004 · Drink 2007-2020
A brute right now, with a wall of bacony, coffee-tinged toast separating you from the core of blackberry and raspberry fruit. Great richness and texture here, with notes of tar, minerals, saddle leather and cocoa rippling through the finish. Mouthwatering acidity balances it all. Best from 2007 through 2020. 2,415 cases made.
Julia Harding MW (JH) — 18/20 · JancisRobinson.com, 22/10/2007 · Drink 2009-2021
100% Syrah, partial de-stemming, vinified in mixture of oak, stainless steel and cement vats, matured in mixture of new and (mainly) used oak casks and large old oak. A complex mix of aromas: spice, liquorice and aromatic meatiness. Fine, dry, tight and beautifully balanced. Youthful but somehow already complete. The dry finish gives freshness instead of drying the palate. There's plenty of oaky…
Nicolas Greinacher (NG) — 94/100 · Vinous, 2024-03-28 · Drink 2007-2029
The 2001 L'Hermitage has aged gracefully. Vivid iodine, black olive tapenade, dried violet, forest floor, cured meat and wet tea bag all race out of the glass. Medium-bodied and distinctively refreshing, the palate gradually brings out more flavors, revealing dried red and black fruits, game, black pepper and a finely tuned herbal edge. Coming in around 13% alcohol, the 2001 is drinking beautiful…