Tasted from Yapp’s reserves at a private vertical. Compared to the 2005, the 2006 Hermitage from J-L Chave is earthier and more broody, but there are obviously tightly coiled black fruits that are destined to unwind in coming years, perhaps with melted tar and cracked black pepper. The palate is medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, the tannins a little “thicker” than the 2005 and certainly with more weight towards the finish that lacquers the mouth in pure...Hermitage. Fantastic. The kind of wine that leaves you desperate for an original superlative! Drink 2015-2035. Tasted March 2009.

This is all elegance, with sleek, fine-grained structure carrying red currant, black cherry and damson plum notes that in turn give way to singed mesquite, saddle leather and lilac. A lovely sanguine edge has already appeared on the finish, but the acidity is still more than fresh. The finish echoes with fruit, iron and saucisson sec notes.—Non-blind Chave vertical (June 2012). Best from 2014 through 2030. JM

Superior to the 2007, the 2006 Hermitage reminds me of Chave’s brilliant 1991. An incredibly subtle perfume of black raspberries, creme de cassis, camphor, and acacia flowers is followed by an elegant, concentrated wine with beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, wood, and alcohol. This seamless, gorgeously-proportioned, large-framed wine represents the definition of finesse, elegance, and terroir. It will be drinkable in several years, and should last for 20-25 years.

As with the blanc, the 2006 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage is richer than its ’07 counterpart, featuring loads of smoked blackberry and cassis like fruits that are intermixed with smoked bacon, blood, flowers, dusty mineral aromas. There are touches of meat and leather with air, and this sports classic, textbook Hermitage aromatics. Full bodied on the palate, with a full, rich texture, loads of ripe, concentrated fruit, and a structured finish, this should be approachable in a handful of years, and drink well for 2 decades.

Deep ruby with a bright rim. Sexy aromas of red and dark fruit preserves, potpourri, allspice and smoky minerals. Juicy, extremely pure raspberry and mulberry flavors are complemented by notes of violet and rose pastille, with tangy minerality providing spine. A spherical, seamless wine that delivers a wallop of sweet fruit while maintaining admirable restraint and focus. Finishes with terrific cut and lingering spiciness. Manages to be powerful and wiry at the same time; this will live a long time on balance and energy. JR

Dark crimson with a ruby rim. Dense and grown-up. Already approachable. Racy and tense. Tastes as though there are lots of little insects scuttling around here! Rich and ripe – just ready to enjoy but clearly with lots of potential. Drink now - 2030
JR - June 2016