Hermitage Blanc, J-L Chave 1994

The 1994 white Hermitage is one of the most seductive, perfumed, multi-layered, and profoundly textured white Hermitages I have tasted from Chave. The unctuous texture, and superb nose of honeyed white flowers, and minerals are followed by a wine of exceptional depth, richness, and balance. It should drink splendidly well for 4-5 years, then close completely, not to re-emerge for a decade. It will keep for 20-30+ years.

Longtime Chave enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear that Chave's spectacular 1995s are among the greatest successes in the Rhone Valley. Furthermore, the 1994s, now that they are in bottle, are even stronger than my commentary last year suggested.