Steely and crisp with dominating crushed rock like minerality that's buffered by notions of golden apples citrus flowers toasted nuts and crème the 2008 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc fleshes out beautifully in the glass to show a medium to full-bodied energetic texture solid concentration and juicy acidity that shines on the lengthy finish. This took the better part of the evening to fully flesh out so do not be afraid to give this air if drinking anytime soon. Given the concentration and acid levels this should age effortlessly for 20+ years. - Jeb Dunnuck

Lush yet precise with green tea honeysuckle and quinine notes rippling through the core of green plum pear and Jonagold apple fruit. The finish has mouthwatering minerality and subtle persistence. Seamless and long. Best from 2012 through 2022. -JM

Consequently there is little of the 2008 Hermitage Blanc (which was scheduled to be bottled the week after my visit) but it is one of the finest 2008s produced in the Northern Rhone. The wine offers up scents of almond paste brioche white currants and quince as well as a full-bodied concentrated personality displaying good acidity and a more forward style than either the 2009 or 2007. It is best drunk in its first 7-8 years of life.