1998 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc

Component #1, in fût since the beginning of September: Precise aromas of spiced apple and honey. Rich-verging-on-sweet, with freakishly high alcohol of 14%. Then very long and fresh on the back end, with an intriguing musky quality. This just finished fermenting its sugars. #2: More perfumed, floral aromas. Very ripe, but conveys a less thick impression due to more carbonic gas, which the Chaves use to keep sulfur additions to a minimum. Very long, honeyed aftertaste. #3, all L'Hermite: Exotic aromas of licorice, honey and flowers; smells like a sweet wine. Thick and strong, with a texture like a solid. Finishes with exotic clove spice. The blend should merit its rating.