93 points,

Rhone Report, The, March 2012

Gorgeously complex and nuanced, with an already approachable, open feel, the 2008 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Crozes-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. - Jeb Dunnuck

90 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2011

The 2008 Hermitage is a down-sized version of Chave's typical Hermitage, but it is, nevertheless, an elegant, mid-weight, pure effort exhibiting berry fruit intermixed with hints of black currants, herbs, pepper, meat juice and bouquet garni. When asked how they made such a fine wine in such a difficult vintage, the Chaves said that over 33% of the entire harvest was declassified. The 2008 is a wine to consume in its first 10-12 years of life, although I suspect it will last longer.

91 -93 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, January 2011

Tank #1: High-pitched red fruits and flowers on the nose, including a spicy overtone. Lively and precise, with excellent clarity and powerful raspberry and cherry characteristics. Tannins arrive late and fade into the fruit. Tank #2: Bright red berries and cherry aromas, complemented by building spiciness and a hint of cracked pepper. Tank #3: Deep cherry compote and cassis scents are augmented by notes of licorice and smoky herbs. Dense and chewy, with strong tannic grip and lingering smokiness. Tank #4: Bright red fruits and flowers on the nose, amplified by strong spiciness and silky tannins. Very pretty and light on its feet. This will be the largest component of the final wine, which should be approachable relatively young. It will be assembled shortly and bottled in January, 2011.

94 points,

Wine Spectator, June 2012

Shows a lightly firm plum skin edge, with a briary feel to the pomegranate, black cherry pepper and tobacco notes. A tangy iron edge peeks through on the finish, with the briar note hanging on as well. Nice stuffing for the vintage, though this relies more on acidity than tannins in the end.-Non-blind Chave vertical (June 2012). Drink now through 2013. -JM

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