2018 Hermitage, Jean-Louis Chave

Baked apple, salt, fresh acid and granitic complexity. Super-fresh and layered. Warm on the finish. Complex and intriguing. ~ (17) Richard Hemming, JancisRobinson.com 11-21-2019

I was blown away by the 2018 Hermitage from barrel, and it unquestionably doesn't disappoint from bottle. Reminding me slightly of the 2009, it possesses off-the-charts richness and depth, but like all great wines, stays pure, balanced, and light on its feel. Extraordinary notes of cassis, blue fruits, graphite, violets, and flowers define the bouquet, and this full-bodied, layered, multi-dimensional beauty has ripe tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. This is pure Hermitage magic. Given its extravagant richness and texture, it should be relatively accessible in just a handful of years yet evolve for three decades or more. ~ (100) Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 12-15-2022

Chave's 2018 Hermitage is another in a long list of legends to emerge from this meticulously run estate. Showing remarkably complex aromas of pressed violets, ground cloves and cracked peppercorns against a backdrop of cassis, blueberries and licorice, it's a super effort. Full-bodied, concentrated, rich and velvety in feel, it's seamless and long—just the complete package in a wine that's surprisingly approachable, yet should prove capable of aging effortlessly for two decades or more. ~ (99) Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 1-20-2022

~ (97) Josh Raynolds, Vinous 12-31-2022