Hermitage 2005 Chave

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (97)

Jean Louis Chave commented that 2005 was not a “friendly vintage” on release and compared it to 1998, 1995 and 1983 in style. His 2005 Hermitage is nevertheless an incredible wine that shines for its purity, focus and pure class. Offering up lots of granite-like minerality, crème de cassis, violets and graphite, this rich, full-bodied, gorgeously concentrated Hermitage has good acidity, building, ripe tannin and a fabulous finish. While I’d happily drink a glass today, it needs another 3-4 years of bottle age to hit prime time and will keep for two to three decades after that.

Winespectator (98)

This brick house is starting to emerge, slowly. There is still a substantial cloak of cocoa powder, brick dust and tar over the core of crushed plum, black currant and steeped cherry fruit that is just now starting to give way. The finish is hefty but exceptionally well-toned, with stunning length and cut thanks to seamless tannins. A smooth block of granite. The one for your children.

BOW (9)