Expert Reviews
Good full ruby. Jammy black fruits and pepper on ths nose; distinctly wilder than the 2000. Fat, thick and powerful, with huge fruit and impressive volume. Offers an uncanny combination of flesh and thrust. Very silky in texture but with excellent acidity and lift. The big tannins spread out to coat the entire palate. This complete Hermitage actually closed down in my glass. I'd expect it to need a good decade before approaching maturity.
 99 Chave Hermitage
By Barolo Boy, December 25, 2002
I had this wine this evening and it was awsome. It is huge with loads of fruit thick tannins and great comlexity. I agree that it needs 10-15 years to smooth out the tannins but it was suprisingly drinkable. What impressed me the most was its beautiful balance. The fruit, the acidty and the tannins were really in harmony and all working together. This wine will be a knockout in middle age.
99 Chave Hermitage
By ronnieleeh, February 21, 2002
How can you review a wine that Steve says needs 10 years & gives 95+. I'm sure he's right!
 Not entirely convincing
By Wilfried, June 05, 2004
TN J.L. Chave, Hermitage rouge, Rhone, France, 1999 (not blind): Dark bright ruby, fat tears. Guarded nose after sappy dark fruit, some meat. Medium body, prominent acidity, sappy dark but silky fruit, bit moldy, fine smoky tannins. Agreeable aftertaste, long. Score: 50 + 4 for optic + 13 for bouquet + 17 for taste + 8 for overall = total score of 92.
Average rating: 4.75(4 ratings) |
