1990 Hermitage, Jean-Louis Chave (750ml)

Your Price: $450.00

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Vintage: 1990
Format: 750ml
Wine Name: Hermitage
Vineyard:
Designation:
Appellation: Hermitage
Producer: Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
Varietal: Syrah
Type: Red
Country: France
Region: Rhone
Sub-Region: Northern Rhone
Alcohol:

Tasting note: 1990 is the Hermitage appellation's greatest vintage since 1978, and maybe since 1961. I have been tasting Chave's Hermitage since the great 1978 vintage, and the black-colored 1990 is unquestionably the most massive and concentrated wine he has yet produced. Perhaps the real difference between it and the splendid 1989 is that the 1990 exhibits a more roasted character to its nose, as well as a bit more tannin and concentration in the mouth. Except for that, they are both mind-boggling, monumental bottles of red Hermitage. The 1990, which offers huge aromas of tar, roasted cassis fruit, and hickory, as well as astonishing concentration, will not be interesting to drink young. (99pts. Robert Parker)

Tasted: Jun. 1995
Score: 99
Drink: 2005-40

Tasting note: Such rich fruit, jammed with plum, herb, licorice, meat, spice and tar flavors, that you almost overlook the muscular tannins and think you could drink it now. Don't. This wine is concentrated and built to age. Wild and distinctive, it's a beautiful representation of the northern Rhône at its best. (96pts. Wine Spectator)

Tasted: May 31, 1994
Score: 96
Drink: 1997-2007

Tasting note: Ruby-red. Sauvage yet extremely youthful aromas of dark berries, leather, minerals and spices; some high tones quickly dissipated with aeration. Huge, thick, extravagantly rich Hermitage; harmonious even if it still closed in the middle. Extremely unevolved dark berry flavors and a deep core of spice are complicated by notes of wild game and roasted plum. Extraordinary combination of power and finesse. Finishes with explosive length and big, thoroughly ripe tannins. (96+pts. Steven Tanzer)

Tasted: Jul./Aug. 1999
Score: 96+
Drink: N/A