2008 Chave Hermitage Collection (1983-2018)

Soft garnet. Elegant and perfumed on the nose, so different from the 2012, at the moment anyway. This has Syrah’s savoury dark fruit but also its floral side. Powder-fine tannins with excellent freshness. A beautiful wine still in its infancy. Long and refined. (JH)

From Beaume: Highly floral bouquet of raspberry, blackberry, violet and Asian spices. Silky in texture, with sweet, fleshy, vibrant red fruit flavors joined by a late note of tangy minerals. From Peleat: Spicy cherry and dark fruit aromas give way to a deeper plum quality with air. Weighty blackberry and kirsch flavors are framed by dusty tannins and pack a solid punch. Surprisingly ripe for this vintage. From L'Hermite: Intensely mineral scents of strawberry, cherry and herbs. Dry and tightly wound, with bitter cherry and tangy red berry flavors. Firm but not tannic, with good finishing cut. From Meal: Ripe cherry and blackcurrant on the nose, plus a hint of cracked pepper. Full, chewy and gently sweet dark fruit flavors are braced by tangy minerals and close on a smoky note. From Bessards: Impressively fresh red berry aromas, with notes of Asian spices, minerals and potpourri. Very elegant in style, with pinot-like clarity and red fruit drive. Finishes with excellent vivacity and spicy persistence. The ultimate wine should be attractive early but looks balanced to age.

Gorgeously complex and nuanced, with an already approachable, open feel, the 2008 Hermitage is loaded with bright, fresh aromas of smoked blackberries, white pepper, cigar, wild herbs, and hints of bacon fat. This flows beautifully to a medium to full-bodied Hermitage that has a light, lifted texture, juicy acidity, and a clean, focused finish. Very classy and elegant, it shines for its balance, polish, and length. Beautiful now, it will continue to drink beautifully for 12-15 years.