2014 Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Rouge

97 Points - Kevin Davy, James Suckling

“A polished, refined and textural Hermitage. Berries, tobacco leaves, forest floor, smoked meat and baking spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with very fine and polished tannins. Intense but always in control, with a lovely core of peppercorns. Funneled and so precise, with a long finish. Drink or hold.”

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate

“Looking at the 2014 reds, the 2014 Hermitage is resting as a final blend and is scheduled to be bottled early next year. It has a serious floral character as well as the classic minerality imparted from the Bessards lieu-dit (which makes up the bulk of the cuvee), gorgeous depth of fruit, medium to full-bodied richness and fine, polished tannin. Like most 2014s, it will be approachable at an early age, but this beauty has class and will evolve gracefully. (94-96 pts)”

96 Points - Wine Spectator

“This starts strong, with warm ganache, steeped fig and crushed blackberry flavors, then gains steam, picking up smoldering charcoal, bay leaf and juniper accents as the wine drives and expands through the finish. Offers a long echo of graphite, with the fruit keeping pace. Very impressive for the vintage. Best from 2020 through 2040. 2,500 cases made.”

95 Points - Josh Raynolds, Vinous

“Glass-staining ruby. Potent aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, licorice, spicecake and candied flowers on the deeply perfumed nose. Fleshy, seamless and expansive on the palate, offering vivacious blackberry, cherry, boysenberry and allspice flavors that deepen and spread out slowly on the back half. Closes on a minerally note, delivering building tannins, superb dark-fruit-driven persistence and lingering spiciness.”