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

I like the nose with its flowers, olives, herbs, tobacco, smoke and bitter cherry nose. The medium bodied palate displays a distinctive, herbal and and green edge to the chalky, bright, cranberry and bright cherry finish. Drink from 2024-2038.

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