Jean-Louis Chave, Hermitage Blanc, Rhône Valley, France, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Going back to 1481, when the first Jean-Louis Chave was gifted a vineyard in St Joseph by the nobleman Farconnet, 25 generations have farmed some of the best parcels in the Northern Rhône. Though now known as perhaps the best producer of Hermitage (and certainly among the best blenders in the world), the family only expanded to this famous hill during the mid-1800s wave of phylloxera that decimated Europe's vineyards. 

In the 1970s, when Gerard Chave took over from his father, the domaine rapidly achieved megastar status due to the extraordinary quality of his wines. Gerard's son Jean-Louis (25th of his name) now oversees the estate and has shown an ever expanding dedication to improving the already stunning quality of these rare wines. Jean-Louis Chave regularly dedicates the domaine to intense and exacting projects, the benefits of which will be seen by future generations. Indeed, the estate employs three full time stonemasons just to repair the traditional stone walls dotting the vineyards. 

Since the 1990s, Jean-Louis Chave has offered a second label known as 'J.L. Chave Sélection' that provides a glimpse of the reason for the estate's fame at a fraction of the price. Many of these wines are from declassified estate wine and long term farming contracts, and are vinified in the domaine's primary cellar in Mauves. 

Winemaker
Jean-Louis Chave

Grapes / Blend
Marsanne

Origin
Hermitage AOC, Rhône Valley, Franc

Tasting Notes
Increased acidity for the vintage results in a taut structure and incredible length. Notes of orange blossom and lemon curd.

95-97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2023 L'Hermitage Blanc is shaping up to be an exceptionally elegant expression of this multi-site blend. Tasting through individual lieux-dits like Péléat, Les Rocoules and L'Hermite reveals the makings of a vivid white L'Hermitage. Fragrant aromas of ripe pear, wet stone, chamomile, white peach and subtle toasty nuances gracefully rise from the glass. While less concentrated than the bottled 2022 tasted alongside, the 2023 emphasizes energy and freshness, culminating in a long, detailed finish. (Drink between 2025-2040)" 01/25

94-96 Points - Vinous
"The 2023 L'Hermitage Blanc is shaping up to be an exceptionally elegant expression of this multi-site blend. Tasting through individual lieux-dits like Péléat, Les Rocoules and L'Hermite reveals the makings of a vivid white L'Hermitage. Fragrant aromas of ripe pear, wet stone, chamomile, white peach and subtle toasty nuances gracefully rise from the glass. While less concentrated than the bottled 2022 tasted alongside, the 2023 emphasizes energy and freshness, culminating in a long, detailed finish. (Drink between 2025-2040)" 01/25

Product size: 750ml