2012 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc
Embark on a vinous journey through the Northern Rhône Valley with the 2012 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc, a prestigious white wine that reflects the mastery of the Chave family in crafting exceptional wines from the Hermitage appellation.
The ingredient from Péléat was in tank and had lovely honey and blossom scents as well as real excitement on the palate. The Rocoule portion, also from tank, was less aromatic but had great tension and considerable substance. L'Hermite tasted from cask was splendidly dense and rich with a slightly cheesy nose but masses of tension. 'To understand Hermitage Blanc, you have to be a gastronome,' says J L Chave.
Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Hermitage Blanc unveils a radiant golden hue, offering a visual prelude to its complexity. The nose is a symphony of aromas, showcasing a rich tapestry of ripe stone fruits, honeyed apricots, and delicate floral notes. Aromas of acacia blossom and a touch of hazelnut add layers of intrigue. On the palate, experience the full-bodied opulence of Marsanne and Roussanne grapes, with flavors of pear, quince, and a subtle hint of vanilla. The wine's mineral backbone imparts freshness, while a creamy texture provides elegance. The finish is enduring, with lingering notes of citrus zest and a touch of spiciness.
How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate the nuances of this Hermitage Blanc, serve it in a wide-bowled white wine glass at a temperature of around 10-12°C (50-54°F). Allow the wine to breathe for a few minutes before enjoying, enhancing the expression of its intricate aromas. This is a wine that evolves in the glass, making it ideal for contemplative sipping or sharing with fellow enthusiasts.
Food Pairing
Pair the 2012 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc with refined and flavorful dishes that complement its richness. Seafood offerings such as lobster, scallops, or buttery crab are sublime choices, emphasizing the wine's opulent texture. Poultry dishes, particularly roasted chicken with herbs or truffle-infused turkey, harmonize with the wine's complexity. Aged cheeses like Comté or Beaufort also make for a delightful pairing, accentuating the Hermitage Blanc's depth.
Overall
The 2012 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc is a testament to the family's dedication to excellence and their deep connection to the Hermitage terroir. Its intricate layers, balanced structure, and remarkable aging potential make it a treasure for collectors and connoisseurs. Whether enjoyed in its youth or cellared for further development, this Hermitage Blanc promises a sensory journey through the artistry of one of the Rhône Valley's most esteemed winemaking families.
Critical Acclaim
97 Wine Spectator
A stunner from the start, with distinctive depth to the creamed mango, white peach and heather flavors, this maintains superior precision and definition as the singed almond, chamomile, salted butter and ginger notes fill in. Glazed pear, elderflower honey and beeswax details chime in on the extremely long finish. Enjoyable now, but needs serious cellaring to show its full potential. Best from 2016 through 2037.
96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Much more open, fleshy and sexy, the 2012 Hermitage Blanc was just bottled a month prior to this tasting. Coming from l’Ermite, Les Rocoules, Maison Blanche and Peleat lieux-dits, it’s always a rough blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne that’s aged in barrel. Loaded with notions of honeysuckle, orange marmalade, powered rock, buttered citrus and green almond, it’s full-bodied, rich, upfront and fruit load. While I think it will be relatively accessible early in its life, it has the concentration to hold for two decades.
96 Vinous
Tasted in single-site components from tanks as the wine awaited blending: #1, from Peleat: Ripe pear and honey aromas, with a suave floral accent and a hint of smoky minerals. At once rich and lively, showing excellent back-end power. #2, from Rocoules: Intense, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas, with a sexy floral nuance building with air. Bright, focused and mineral-driven, with a strong Meyer lemon quality lingering on the tangy finish. #3, also from Rocoules: Showing more emphasis on orchard fruit than the first Rocoules tank, with powerful quince and pear flavors and a touch of bitter quinine. Dusty minerals sharpen the long, sappy finish. #4, from l'Ermite: Spicy citrus zest and ginger scents along with a chalky mineral note and a hint of anise. Smoky and penetrating, with superb finishing clarity and lingering spiciness. #5, also from l'Ermite: More floral and masculine than the previous l'Ermite, with strong jasmine and orchard fruit character and a touch of bitter quinine. Bright and nervy on the finish, which doesn't want to let up.