"1990 is rightly touted as one of the greatest Rhône vintages, but it overshadows the excellent preceding year. Chave's 1989 is masterful. Still with a little blackcurrant and raspberry fruit, this has spicy, savoury faces and a gruff, grunty element. It's still full in body but the tannins are fading now, whereas fresh acidity remains, and it's sinewy in texture, reminiscent of an old man's musculature. It's rounded and fruity on the palate, with plenty of nutmeg, cinnamon, burning fireworks and woodsmoke, joined by a little truffle and cheese rind with some air. It's saline on the finish, showing spectacular length still with some sweet raspberry and kirsch. Highly complex and utterly authentic: unmistakable terroir."(100pts Decanter)

Vintage 1989, Hermitage, J.L. Chave, 1.5cm, lbsl (1 750 ml)


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