Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage, Rhone, France 2022

In the Northern Rhône, the Chave family is considered winemaking royalty. The family boasts a continuous lineage of winemakers who have tilled the granitic soils of Hermitage hill dating back to 1481. The current 16th-generation vigneron is Jean-Louis Chave, whose cerebral, confident, yet understated style has “propelled Chave wines to status among the world’s most sought-after collectibles,”

Few who cherish the power and perfume of classically made Hermitage would argue that the greatest red and white examples emerge from the Chave family cellars. The current generations in charge, father Gérard and son Jean-Louis, use their knowledge, experience and spread of lieux-dits to craft wines that combine all the power, longevity, nuance and refinement that the Hermitage hill is capable of.

" Focused red and black fruits, leather, graphite, and spice emerge from the 2022 Hermitage, and it's about as classic an expression of the vintage as you're likely to find with its ripe yet almost strict, focused, balanced character. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it displays a Pinot-like elegance and seamlessness, with fine yet building, firm tannins and incredible length. It's going to age beautifully, but I suspect the cellar will be your friend here." Jeb Dunnuck 96-98