This bottle was a library release from the Chave cellars. Decanted about an hour prior to service (but could have benefited from more time) and enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2001 Chave rouge pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of charred blueberry pie, mushrooms, scorched earth, grilled meat, coffee, black pepper and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and super complex. With more and more air, this really came into its own. Totally Chave. Totally Hermitage. Totally awesome. Drink now with a little patience and through 2041. — 4 months ago
Gets better with air. — a year ago
2017 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 30 mins. Medium-heavy body but starting to thin out slightly. Taupenot-Merme is one of the "bigger bodied" Burgs. Wanted more earth but got more spice instead. Decent compromise. Seems like another 3-4 years would find this hitting the optimal sweet spot. 8.23.24. — 2 months ago
For a hot July 4th back patio party, this #beaujolaisvillages hit the spot. Crunchy red fruit, a bit too cool to notice much more aromatics, refreshing cherry, cranberry taste, solid acidity. Nice pairing for Boerewors (South African sausage) and rabbit & pork hot dogs. — 4 months ago
Thought may be sliding down but not so, nicely balanced and interesting profile great with several dinners. — 8 months ago
Super delicious, enjoyed this one being that my fiancé and I are big southern Rhône style wine lovers as well as other classical French wine enjoyers. — 3 years ago
First time trying this. Opened 8 hours before and decanted for 4, which I’d suggest at this stage. I don’t think I would have guessed Bordeaux blind, probably would have gone something from Piedmont. Not actually giving a ton on the nose, but quite nice and deep plum / purple fruited / leathery on the palate. Hauntingly balanced finish that goes on and on. Very nice. — 3 months ago
Great concentration, depth and freshness. Aged in concrete. Approachable now but will age. — 6 months ago
Wow this is singing. Stunningly deep floral/cherry nose. Mid season cherries that are perfectly ripe and juicy and so clear. Unreal spice and tweed jacket as well. 9.5 nose. Blown away. This drinks so well with 5-6 years on it. Palate is just heaven. Juicy and so decadent with good weight and luscious black cherry and late season red cherry fruit. Sapid and deep. Mineral finish. Outstanding showing. Unreal balance and freshness. It’s a 9.5 right now. Tannins need to smooth out so maybe even a 9.6 with air. — a year ago
Bruce Leboff
A little long in the tooth. Colour a deeper yellow than a younger example. Nose is subtle ( read limited) interesting on the palate. Pleasant with a medium long finish. — 2 days ago