Tasted from Yapp’s reserves at a private vertical. Compared to the 2005, the 2006 Hermitage from J-L Chave is earthier and more broody, but there are obviously tightly coiled black fruits that are destined to unwind in coming years, perhaps with melted tar and cracked black pepper. The palate is medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, the tannins a little “thicker” than the 2005 and certainly with more weight towards the finish that lacquers the mouth in pure...Hermitage. Fantastic. The kind of wine that leaves you desperate for an original superlative! Drink 2015-2035.

Chave's 2006 Hermitage is a fabulous example of the classic style of the estate, as well as of the more forward, charming nature of the vintage. Offering up a gorgeous bouquet of caramelized black fruits, cassis, tapenade, spring flowers and an undeniable minerality, this beautiful Hermitage is fresh, lively and incredibly elegant on the palate, yet still packs gorgeous amounts of fruit and texture, with plenty of wow factor. While still youthful, it delivers loads of pleasure, and will keep for another two decades or more. - Jeb Dunnuck

This is all elegance, with sleek, fine-grained structure carrying red currant, black cherry and damson plum notes that in turn give way to singed mesquite, saddle leather and lilac. A lovely sanguine edge has already appeared on the finish, but the acidity is still more than fresh. The finish echoes with fruit, iron and saucisson sec notes.—Non-blind Chave vertical (June 2012). Best from 2014 through 2030. 2,500 cases made. –JM