2003 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc (1.5L) (Library Release)
Special Order
New
99JD
97VN
96RP
$500.00
Special Order: Estimated to be available for delivery or pickup by 11/10/2026.
12 Available for Purchase
99
Jeb Dunnuck
Reviewed March 2024Drinking brilliantly, the 2003 Hermitage Blanc is now certainly fully mature and has a heavenly nose of white currants, buttered almonds, freshly baked croissants, and orange marmalade. A white that builds and gains freshness and depth with time in the glass, it hits the palate with a full-bodied, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, flawless overall balance, and that rare blend of opulence, richness, and freshness. I love it today and see no reason to hold off, but I'd be shocked if this doesn't have a solid decade of prime drinking ahead of it.
Professional Reviews
97
Vinous
"The white wines in 2003 can either be magic or very bad," said Jean-Louis before he poured this elixir. Pale gold. Dusty and spicy on the nose, with intense licorice, orange peel and mineral tones. Absolutely huge on the palate, with an oily, viscous texture that is shocking. The extract here is almost painful and the richness of flavor utterly compelling. (This clocked in at 16.5% alcohol, with less than 2 grams per liter of acidity.) Thick, buttery flavors of orchard fruits and orange bitters, complicated by minerals and smoke. The floral, honeyed finish won't let up. "You need the type of food your doctor won't let you eat," replied Jean-Louis when I asked him what he would pair this with. "Escoffier cuisine, textured foods, old-style haute cuisine like sauce Nantua, food that needs wine to cut through it." (JR)
96
Wine Advocate
Although the amazing 2003 Hermitage blanc possesses 16.5% finished alcohol, it is well-delineated and fresh. The light gold color is followed by beautiful notes of rose petals, honeysuckle, white currants, wax, orange marmalade, and an intense liqueur of stone that is only found in the greatest white Hermitages, Montrachets, and Meursault-Perrieres. Occasionally, some Alsatian wines will reveal this gout de petrol-like taste. Huge and rich, according to Gerard Chave, it may represent a modern day clone of what the “1929 Hermitage Blanc” (which is still a great wine) resembled when it was young. This is a “must have” dry white.
JLL
Drink Rhone
A sound yellow colour here; the nose is withdrawn – there is apricot with high tone, a bit of candy or bonbon, and an underlay of honeycomb – and a certain finesse is purveyed. The palate is nutty in taste, and really persistent, with a good lining of what is close to being tannin, and acidity on its sides. A wine of grip, and a thorough hazelnut imprint – it is beefy, with a wee bit of heat, burn and smoke evident. All this is consistent with its last tasting 16 months ago. Ends in a chunky, grippy way, a no hiding place wine that bears some sherry, dried white raisin notes late on. It isn`t really expressing itself today. This would be ACE with one of Gérard`s young goat dishes. Yum yum.
Details
| Type | White Wine |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Marsanne |
| Origin | Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone, France |
| Bottle Size | 1.5 L (Magnum) |
| SKU | 2077984 |
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