Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
Hermitage Syrah
Hermitage, Northern Rhône, Rhône, France
It’s been a couple of years since I last encountered the 2001 vintage of Chave’s Hermitage. That bottle was a library release from the domaine and so is this example. Splash decanted directly before service. The 2001 pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous and a total umami bomb: Koji beef broth, dried and baked brambles, dried purple flowers, black pepper, Kalamata olive, organic and inorganic earth along with fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Looking back on my notes from 2024, there’s a common theme: the 2001 is all about dat bass. Drink now with some patience and through 2041.
It’s been a couple of years since I last encountered the 2001 vintage of Chave’s Hermitage. That bottle was a library release from the domaine and so is this example. Splash decanted directly before service. The 2001 pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous and a total umami bomb: Koji beef broth, dried and baked brambles, dried purple flowers, black pepper, Kalamata olive, organic and inorganic earth along with fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Looking back on my notes from 2024, there’s a common theme: the 2001 is all about dat bass. Drink now with some patience and through 2041.
Feb 2nd, 2026
This bottle was a library release from the Chave cellars. Decanted about an hour prior to service (but could have benefited from more time) and enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2001 Chave rouge pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of charred blueberry pie, mushrooms, scorched earth, grilled meat, coffee, black pepper and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and super complex. With more and more air, this really came into its own. Totally Chave. Totally Hermitage. Totally awesome. Drink now with a little patience and through 2041.
This bottle was a library release from the Chave cellars. Decanted about an hour prior to service (but could have benefited from more time) and enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2001 Chave rouge pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of charred blueberry pie, mushrooms, scorched earth, grilled meat, coffee, black pepper and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and super complex. With more and more air, this really came into its own. Totally Chave. Totally Hermitage. Totally awesome. Drink now with a little patience and through 2041.
Jul 7th, 2024
Unquestionably some of the best Syrah on the planet, JLC made a wine that screams elegance in 2001. After an hour in the decanter is when it explodes to show its layered and intense aromatics and red fruited profile with smoked meats, lavender, saddle leather and a touch of savory herbs. The palate is juicy and bright with silky tannins, incredible balance and texture and a finish that just keeps going. 2001 is in a fantastic spot.
Unquestionably some of the best Syrah on the planet, JLC made a wine that screams elegance in 2001. After an hour in the decanter is when it explodes to show its layered and intense aromatics and red fruited profile with smoked meats, lavender, saddle leather and a touch of savory herbs. The palate is juicy and bright with silky tannins, incredible balance and texture and a finish that just keeps going. 2001 is in a fantastic spot.
Oct 15th, 2022
From a restaurant list. Vibrant reddish purple. Looks young in the glass. Great nose with notes of dark berries, slate, earth and a little menthol. A bit thin in the mouth at first. Got better with time in the glass. Didn't get enough air but showed it's potential.
From a restaurant list. Vibrant reddish purple. Looks young in the glass. Great nose with notes of dark berries, slate, earth and a little menthol. A bit thin in the mouth at first. Got better with time in the glass. Didn't get enough air but showed it's potential.
Oct 18th, 2017
Wonderful tangy fruit. Beautiful and clear but young.
Wonderful tangy fruit. Beautiful and clear but young.
1 person found it helpfulSep 7th, 2018
Transcendent. Transporting. Delicious.
Transcendent. Transporting. Delicious.
Jul 22nd, 2016
Better than the 00 but still young.
Better than the 00 but still young.
Jun 18th, 2015
French oak notes with ripened cherry. Beautiful. 2001 vintage
French oak notes with ripened cherry. Beautiful. 2001 vintage
Feb 21st, 2015