One of the greatest wines ever made by this reference point estate, the 2009 Hermitage is one of those wines that offers everything you could ever want from a glass of wine and then more. Still youthfully ruby/plum-hued, it has shed its considerable baby fat and offers a quintessential Hermitage bouquet of red and black fruits, leather, liquid rock-like minerality, flowers, and meaty, peppery, spicy nuances. Insanely complex and layered aromatically, it hits the palate with a deep, concentrated mouthfeel, building yet ultra-fine tannins, and absolutely flawless balance. This beauty is a lesson in true greatness in wine, and readers should beg, borrow, or steal to taste it. I think it's better than both the 1990 and the 2003 (debatable, but the 2009 is certainly more consistent), and this legendary Hermitage will continue to drink brilliantly for another 20-30 years and have a gradual decline thereafter as well.

The greatest wines Chave has produced since 2003 are the two cuvees of 2009 Hermitage. The 2009 Hermitage exhibits a black/purple color along with a sumptuous nose of roasted meats ground pepper black currants blackberry jam and subtle smoke and licorice. The extraordinary bouquet is followed by a wine of extravagant intensity as well as tremendous focus and precision. While not as powerful as the blockbuster 2003 the amazing 2009 may turn out to be a modern day version of their magnificent 1990 (which is drinking incredibly well at present). Anyone who loves Hermitage and has a cold cellar should be lining up to get a few bottles of this beauty.

Captivating from the start with gorgeous ganache and Lapsang souchong aromas that give way to an immense core of crushed plum braised fig and steeped blackberry notes all woven with pastis loam and charcoal. Shows terrific density and drive through the long well-structured finish. This has the fruit of the vintage in spades but with an extra dimension of grip and length. Best from 2015 through 2035. 2200 cases made.