Domaine Jean Louis Chave, Hermitage, Rouge 2010

We compared a magnum of 2010 L’Hermitage from Domaine J.L. Chave that was consistent with the magnum poured at Medlar just a few weeks earlier.

The 2010 Hermitage from JL Chave is mineral and taut, unwinding in the glass with a typically brooding bouquet of pepper, spices, dark berries, thyme and bay leaf mingled with hints of smoke. Full-bodied, dense, rich and powerful, it's concentrated and layered with powdery, structured tannins, subtle dry extracts and a long, granite finish. Smoky and meaty, it needs time to chill out, even if structured tannins could reduce its aging potential severely.