2010 Hermitage

Opaque purple. Exotic aromas of dark fruit preserves, bitter chocolate, fruitcake, vanilla and licorice. Fat, sappy and sweet, with uncommon breadth and sexy floral tones to its black and blue fruit. Strikes a suave balance between richness and vivacity and finishes with silky tannins and excellent, spicy persistence.

The 2010 Hermitage is clearly the biggest, richest and most ageworthy wine of this trio. It boasts a dense purple color along with notes of creme de cassis, smoked herbs, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied with outstanding depth, purity, power and overall equilibrium as well as beautifully pure fruit and an enticing texture, it can be drunk early in life or cellared for two decades. Despite the name, Yann Chave is not related to the Chaves of Mauves. However, this under-the-radar producer deserves more attention from Northern Rhone enthusiasts. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800