Jean Louis Chave   Hermitage Blanc

2011 Hermitage Blanc

By Jean-Louis Chave

2011 Hermitage Blanc from Jean-Louis Chave, Rhone

There is a testimony of meticulousness and artistry in each bottle of 2011 Hermitage Blanc that Jean-Louis Chave presents to the world. Those familiar with this prestigious white wine will sense a distinct narrative embedded within the vintage of 2011, rendering unique investment opportunities.

 

A Symphony of Terroir and Climatic Influence

The 2011 vintage, guided by remarkable climatic conditions, offers sublime nuances on its own. The Rhone valley, known for its scorching summers and cool winters, saw cooler conditions in 2011. Such a foil added an exciting structure to the grapes grown in that period, allowing them to exhibit unusual elegance and poise.

This Hermitage Blanc is akin to a thrilling symphony; the orchestra being a spectacular blend of Marsanne and Roussanne grapes. An alignment like this is renowned for delivering richness along with striking sensations of pear, honeysuckle and almond yet the 2011 from Jean-Louis Chave balances these robust traits with an intriguing lightness.

 

A Vintage Worth Attention of Fine Wine Investors

For wine connoisseurs looking for an exceptional investment, the 2011 Hermitage Blanc from Jean-Louis Chave makes a persuasive case. It captures both finessed subtleties and commanding richness, encapsulating the distinct heritage of Rhone valley winemaking that we so fervently appreciate.

The cooler climatic effect infuses the grapes with an innate versatility; there is intensity but also a sedating calm which allows flavors to fully express themselves over time. Smarty predicted ageing potential amplifies its desirability as an investment wine.

 

Persistent Magic that Doesn't Fade Away

There is magic in how the 2011 Hermitage Blanc holds itself over time. It emanates the allure of a classic Rhone white wine but hones an individualistic personality. Jean-Louis Chave has meritoriously culminated the distinct character of 2011 into a bottle, delivering a vintage that not merely tastes sublime but also stands as an engrossing tale of one artful year in the heart of Rhone.

One cannot deny the allure of its enduring vitality, the investment value it presents, and its beautifully adorned mantle of tradition and innovation.

Current market price

$4,090.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

153.75

Scores and tasting notes

96

Just bottled, the 2011 Hermitage Blanc also shows the richer side of Hermitage with its full-bodied, voluptuously textured and up-front profile. Honeysuckle, licorice, toast, citrus oil and liquid mineral-like qualities all emerge from this beauty, and it stays beautifully fresh and focused on the palate. A blend of mostly Marsanne, yet with roughly 20% Roussanne, from the l’Ermite, Les Rocoules, Maison Blanche and Peleat lieux-dits, this substantial white should be consumed over the coming 2-4 years, or forgotten for a decade or more. It will have over two decades of longevity. One of the highlight visits during my time spent working in the Northern Rhone, Jean-Louis Chave (who is often called “The Pope of Hermitage” by others) makes some of the most profound wines in the world today. As he says, “We don’t make Chave, we make Hermitage,” and there are few things more educational, when trying to understand this storied appellation, than to taste through each of Jean-Louis’s different Hermitage plots from barrel. The striking minerality and austere cut of the l’Ermite parcel is in stark contrast to the voluptuousness and texture that’s found in the Le Meal (which is just down the slope); and both are completely different from the silky, polished and perfumed Peleat lieu-dit. Despite the notoriety here, Jean-Louis remains one of the most humble and straight talking winemakers out there, and his wines deserve a place in any wine lover’s cellar. One of the highlight visits during my time spent working in the Northern Rhone, Jean-Louis Chave (who is often called “The Pope of Hermitage” by others) makes some of the most profound wines in the world today. As he says, “We don’t make Chave, we make Hermitage,” and there are few things more educational, when trying to understand this storied appellation, than to taste through each of Jean-Louis’s different Hermitage plots from barrel. The striking minerality and austere cut of the l’Ermite parcel is in stark contrast to the voluptuousness and texture that’s found in the Le Meal (which is just down the slope); and both are completely different from the silky, polished and perfumed Peleat lieu-dit. Despite the notoriety here, Jean-Louis remains one of the most humble and straight talking winemakers out there, and his wines deserve a place in any wine lover’s cellar. Importer: Langdon-Shiverick, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 483-5900

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 29 December 2013

Vintage performance