Hermitage Syrah

Not to be outdone, the 1989 Chave Hermitage Rouge showed more brambles than the ’88 along with other desiccated blue and black fruits. Dried flowers, beef, blood, leather and mushrooms. Every time I have the pleasure of drinking old Chave, I’m reminded that these wines have so much character and there is a reason they are so adored. Lovely with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Drink now through 2040.

Wonderful depth and character. Garrigue and dried fruit then a lot of intense fruit behind. Very good

This showed well, although there was some green leafiness alongside dark, meaty and chalky aromas and flavors. Fine tannins and long.

Tasted blind. Dark ruby and slightly translucent. Notes of rich and silky black fruit that suggest its Syrah. Not as rich as a Great La La so I guess 95 Chapoutier Cote-Rotie. This got better with more air over our lunch. Great balance. Lots of life in front of it.

A whiff of butterscotch, band aid, complex red fruit with dried herbs. On the palate very savory and delicious fruit. Soured cherry with a pure forest floor blackberry and leather midpalate. Very good.

Still a bit closed and has a good amount of tannins starting to open with exotic spices dried flowers smoked meats still very big needs more time.

The king of the 🏔

Not the best bottle. A little dirty

Not quite as stupendous as bottle earlier in year, but still a relic of authenticity. Hermitage 1989.

Rouge not blanc