2003 Domaine Jean Louis Chave, Hermitage, Rouge 1x75cl

Vinous 98

"Now we take the monster out of his cage," Jean-Louis warned me before pouring this. Inky, almost black in color. Elemental, hugely concentrated and powerful on the nose, which slowly unveils aromas of dark cherry liqueur, blackberry, cassis, espresso and a deep note of sweet tobacco. Impossibly rich and dense on the palate (the yields in 2003 were off by two-thirds), showing myriad dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors, with a suggestion of tapenade and an intense licorice quality. Remarkably, this takes on a mineral tone on the finish, which has the effect of further drawing out the amazingly powerful finish. [Josh Raynolds, 01/01/2006]

JancisRobinson.com 18/20

Deep orange-gold. Big but not fat. Was a great match for a spicy St John Welsh rarebit. Full bodied and waxy with just enough acidity and a herbal cocktail. [03/05/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2023