Hermitage Blanc 2017 Jean-Louis Chave

A great, long-lived white from the hill of Hermitage. The 2017 from the renowned house of Chave

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is a renowned house said to have grown vines here since 1481. It owns several plots (lieux-dits) scattered across the hill of Hermitage and, by carefully blending them, expresses the character of the whole hill in a single wine. The white is centred on old vines over 60 years old from Les Rocoules, L’Hermite, Péléat and Maison Blanche, some approaching 100 years. Mainly Marsanne with Roussanne, it is fermented and aged partly in French oak barrels and partly in stainless steel tanks. Production is very limited, and it is known as one of the finest white wines of the northern Rhône. 2017 was a warm year, a vintage blessed with richness and concentration.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant golden colour. Ripe apricot, white peach, pear and quince, layered with honey, acacia, hazelnut and a faint hint of anise. The palate has a rich, oily texture, yet firm minerality runs through its core so it never feels heavy. A long finish of saline savouriness and gentle bitterness. A white for long ageing that takes on notes of truffle and beeswax with time.

Drinking Window

Enjoyable now, but expected to age until around 2040. Serve not too cold, at around 12–14°C, in a large glass. The aromas open with time after uncorking.

Food Pairings

• Roast lobster
• Chicken or guinea fowl in cream sauce
• Dishes with white truffle, aged Comté

Grape Varieties

Mainly Marsanne, with Roussanne

Product Information

• Volume: 750ml
• Type: White, dry
• Region: France / Rhône / Northern Rhône / Hermitage
• Product code: C17W3081

Notes on Old Vintages

• The condition of labels, capsules and corks, as well as fill levels, varies from bottle to bottle. These are natural changes that come with long ageing and are not quality defects.
• Due to the nature of aged wines, we cannot guarantee the condition of the wine once opened. Returns or exchanges for customer reasons are not accepted.
• Corks may be fragile, so please take care when opening.
• All bottles are already in our warehouse and ready to ship. Quantities are limited and orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.