Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 23/12/2011

The bottled 2009 Hermitage Blanc is one of the greatest whites ever made chez Chave, and that’s saying something given Chave’s track record. This spectacular wine, normally a blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, exhibits layers of concentration, superb acidity and minerality, laser-like focus, and plenty of quince, white currant, citrus oil, honeysuckle, anise, white peach and apricot marmalade notes. This significant, full-bodied, dry white Hermitage should age for 30-50 years. However, given the vintage’s flamboyance, it will be drinkable early in life.

Adding to their acreage in St.-Joseph, the Chaves purchased the famous Clos Florentin Vineyard a few years ago. I suspect they will make a single vineyard wine from this site in the future.

I’ve thought the 2009 Hermitage Blanc was pure perfection just about every time I’ve been lucky enough to taste it. Thrilling notes of quince, honeysuckle, buttered citrus, and liquid rock all emerge from this flamboyant, sexy, yet seamless and classic white that could come from nowhere else than this magical hillside terroir outside of Tain l’Hermitage. It’s a thrill a second today but will keep for 40-50 years. It’s a heavenly, magical Hermitage Blanc.