Domaine Jean-Louis Chave L’Hermitage 2012

I’ve heard many times that a Great wine should be drinkable at every step of its ageing process, from its early youth to a fully mature stage. It might be more theory based since it’s pretty rare that one have to chance to open that type of wine more than once, especially when young since one of the goal of having that type of bottle is to lay them down for medium to lo9ng ageing. Well not long ago, I was lucky enough to have to opportunity to taste one of these Grand Vin at an early stage of its life…

Tasted bling with wine geek friends, here is my comments on this week Grand Vin:

Purple color. Nose of black pepper, black berries and bacon. No doubt, this wine is made out of Syrah! Lively and structured on the palate with ripe fruit, the sun does show its presence on the wine. Then comes the spices (anise) on a medium intense structure with a very long finish. This is a beautiful and perfume wine quite approachable now. I guessed a young Cornas wine. Excellent+ (92)

Made of 100% Syrah grapes from Les Bessards, l’Hermite and Le Méal vineyards. Long ageing in oak barrels with 10% new barrels. Alcohol level of 14%

More information on Domaine Jean-Louis Chave: domaine-jean-louis-chave

Réserve et Sélection (Trialto) is the agencey representing Chave in Québec: trialto.com