J.L. Chave Hermitage Rouge 2020

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
J.L. Chave
Label Name:
 
Hermitage Rouge
Vintage:
 
2020
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Hermitage AOC, Northern Rhône
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
Syrah
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Jeb Dunnuck 98-100 (98+ / 100 in many reports); Decanter 98; Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 93-98 (reports vary by component); James Suckling ~96-97; Wine Spectator ~97

Tasting Note
Inky, concentrated Syrah: blackcurrant, blackberry, smoked meat, black pepper, violet and graphite with mineral streaks. Silky yet firm tannins, bright acidity and a long, saline, peppery finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, beef short ribs, venison, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Korean BBQ, Peking duck, char siu, spicy Sichuan beef, grilled yakitori.

Production Method
Hand-harvested Syrah (notably Bessards). Generally 100% destemmed; fermented in wooden tonneaux and stainless steel; matured ~30 months in French oak barriques (mix of old and new).

Vineyard Info
Family domaine dating to 1481; Jean‑Louis Chave leads production from prized Hermitage lieux-dits (Bessards, Péléat, Le Méal). Renowned for precision, cellar selection and long-lived wines.