Trentina's
Tasted Thursday, October 8, 2015 by Loren Sonkin with 585 views
Today, I had the pleasure of being invited to a trade tasting. David Shiverick was leading a discussion and tasting thru of the wines of JL Chave. The discussion was interesting and fun with lots of personal anecdotes. Some grilled pizzas and pizza dough were served. The stars of the show, however, were the wines. This was a truly special tasting.
The Whites:
The Reds:
Thanks to Bill, Adam, David and Jonathon for the privilege to attend. I certainly plan on buying some of these wines.
2012 J.L. Chave Sélection St. Joseph Céleste 91 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph
Light gold in color. What a great nose. Very perfumed orange, fig and honey. On the palate, more minerals but still that orange/apricot thing, but not nearly as potent. This a bolder fruit forward wine that offers some value in the have line-up. I am curious how it fleshes out over time. 100% Rousanne.
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2012 J.L. Chave Sélection Hermitage Blanche 92 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
Another of the Selection series. 85% Marsanne/15% Rousanne aprox. The nose is vanilla and waxy. There is some melon. Also some smoke. Full bodied. On the palate, this is tart, but not acidic. Lemons and pears mostly. Nice finish. Still very young.
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2008 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 94 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
In what is generally thought of as a weak vintage, this is very good. Worth the money? That depends on your budget, but this is very good. At this stage, it is complex with vanilla and slightly honeyed notes on the nose. Maybe some almonds. On the palate, this is open and drinking quite well. Slightly waxy and minerally. Some pears and lemons. A really nice wine today.
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2010 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 97 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
Wow, this is great! David mentioned "white flowers" and this has them in abundance. Also some figs, and vanilla. On the palate, more fig and quince with a slightly waxy note. Already showing depth and complexity, this will last a couple more decades with ease. Long finish. It is tight on pouring, but opens quickly. My white wotn.
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2012 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 95 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
Not quite up to the 2010, this is still an outstanding white wine. It is up front and bold. The nose is complex with wax, figs, honey and an interesting sage note. Full bodied. On the palate, this is still young and takes some coaxing to open up. Tart apples and pears mix with honey and wax on the palate. Long finish. This should also last easily for a couple of decades or more.
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2000 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 94 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
David opened this to show us how well these can age. No surprise there. This is still young and I would not call it aged at all. Easily a decade, probably two left. Nice nose. Slightly honeyed, peaches and minerals. Maybe some more of that white floral note? On the palate, it has that white Rhone bitter note that i really like. Kind of like almonds meets iron. Long finish. A very intriguing wine.
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