Robert Parker Score: 94

Tanzer Score: 97

Score: 95-97 ST

Region: Rhone

District: Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage

Type: Still Wine

Color: Red

Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

Vintage: 2005

Size: 750ML

Brand: See more from Domaine Chave JL (Jean Louis)

Sku: 101349

Price: $599.99

Quantity:   

Parker Review:
The 2005 Hermitage is a frighteningly backward, tannic, broodingly dense, formidable wine. Its dense purple color is followed by notions of road tar, spring flowers, camphor, creme de cassis, licorice, and earth. It displays high tannin, huge extract and richness, with fresh acidity. I agree with the Chaves that this is a vintage for those with patience as this wine needs a decade of cellaring. 1983 might be the closest vintage of comparison, but overall, I think the winemaking and selection process at Chave are far greater today than they were 25 years ago. Readers with good DNA and youth on their side are the only ones who should purchase this monster Hermitage. Anticipated maturity 2015-2030. A bastion of traditionalism and terroir-sensitive winemaking, the Chaves, both father Gerard and son Jean-Louis, continue to establish higher and higher standards for artisanal, high quality winemaking without manipulation or compromise. As I have said many times in the past, after more than two dozen visits to their cellars in Mauves, the Chave address remains one of the most extraordinary places of learning in the wine world. Most importantly, they have had a remarkable succession of successful vintages that began in 1994.

Tanzer Review:
cured meat smells like a great grand cru from Vosne-Romanee but with a wilder side. Flat-out gorgeous wine, with remarkably deep but fresh red berry and cherry flavors that stain the palate. Seems to actually expand on the finish, picking up exotic spicecake and rose pastille character and leaving a sweet trail of smoky red fruits behind. "If you insist on drinking this young, do it now," says Chave, "because it will close up in about two or three years and not be open again for a long time." You've been warned.