Domaine Jean-Louis Chave J.L. Chave Sélection Hermitage Blanche Marsanne Roussanne 2012 (1500ml)

Shay A

My contribution for a wine theme of “rosé and non-Chardonnay whites.” I initially thought this would be one of the bigger wines on the table (expecting a bunch of SauvBlancs and light bodied rosés, only for a 2008 SQN The Pontiff to claim that title), and while it eventually fleshed out, it took a while. This negociant bottling of Chave's Hermitage blanc is made from 100% Marsanne from vine age between 50-60 years. This wine comes mainly from the lieu-dit called Maison Blanche which sits atop the hill of Hermitage. I decanted this about 2hrs, then put it back in bottle to follow over the next 2-3hrs and it really hit stride towards the end. It poured a deep golden color, as expected. Roasted macadamia nuts and herb crusted yellow fruits on the nose. At first, it was like fine grained bitter honey, banana peel, and melon on the palate and a bit lighter than expected. It gained the traditional waxy component the longer it was open, as well as gained viscosity. The finish rounded out to show a mix of herbs, mineral, along some guava and papaya, and a dose of ginger. I think this is still young, and will be fun to follow over the next few years.

Maggie Harrison

barnyard, wet forest, manure funk on the nose that stuck with it after an hour or so. but it’s still so good. I’m just a little thrown by the nose. yet it is very well balanced. 2012 was a balanced stone/sun vintage I believe.

S Butterfield

Sommelier Flask Fine Wines

Fat and lean. Rich and racy. A double headed monster with enough intrigue for you to keep coming back. Too yummy.

Rob Newell

Quite good but prefer more oak

Robert Moss

Well balance white. Soft floral and tropical notes.

Jerry Liu

Very dry but creamy, goes down very smoothly. Strong nasal aftertaste, lots of vanilla and oak. However flavor quickly dies off, best to drink within 3 hours.

MDB

Drinking well. Great richness and minerality.