2004 Domaine Jean Louis Chave, Hermitage, Blanc 1x75cl

Vinous 96

Bright gold. Intensely spicy pear, peach and apricot pit aromas, with a strong suggestion of sweet butter. Round and weighty but at the same time juicy, with focused peach and pear nectar flavors enlivened by exotic spice and mineral notes and deepened by honey and fresh cream tones. Gains in freshness with air, picking up strong mineral and tangy citrus zest notes. "The 2005 will be more elegant," Chave believes. [Josh Raynolds, 01/01/2007]

Wine Advocate 94

Tasted from Yapp’s reserves at a private vertical. This has a clean, fresh nose: pear, lanolin, a touch of orange blossom, but still quite tight " this will need 5-8 years to open up. The palate is beautifully balanced, very harmonious, still some unresolved oak, but a complex undertow or coconut, almond, brioche and a hint of orange-blossom and spice right on the delicate finish. Succinct winemaking, lovely to drink now but deserves cellaring. Wonderful. Drink 2010-2020+ Tasted March 2009. [Neal Martin, 01/03/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020