Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage, Rhone, France 2007

95-96 points Int'l Wine Cellar

I tasted this wine in three components from stainless steel tanks, where it was awaiting bottling this winter. #1: Red berries and flowers on the nose, with strong mineral and floral notes and Asian spices. #2: More masculine and brooding, offering deep cherry compote and blackcurrant scents and suggestions of licorice and black cardamom. Smoky dark fruit flavors are framed by chewy tannins and pick up sweeter red berry qualities with air. The finish is sweet and penetrating, with a strong echo of black raspberry. #3: Fresh raspberry and cherry on the nose, with notes of smoked meat, minerals and violet. Supple, mineral-laced red fruit flavors are joined by allspice and violet pastille on the back. Very fresh sample with strong finishing lift and spiciness. Looks to be an excellent wine that will provide plenty of pleasure on the (relatively) young side. (JR) (1/2010)

95 points Wine Advocate

The spectacular 2007 Hermitage boasts a dense purple color along with notes of creme de cassis, loamy soil, crushed rocks and acacia flowers, a rare opulence and a full-bodied style. Reminiscent of the 1991 Hermitage (a great vintage for Chave as well as most top producers in Hermitage), it should drink well for 20-25 years. (RP) (2/2011)

95 points Wine Spectator

This has tightened up nicely, with damson plum, cherry pit and cassis flavors now showing a taut feel, while anise, pain d'épices and charcoal notes take the lead. The solid, grippy finish shows muscle, but the back-end finesse and length lurks in reserve. Should stretch out wonderfully in the cellar and may show surprising longevity. (Web-2012) (JM)

94 points James Suckling

An earlier drinking vintage, this is complex and powerful with plenty of dark stony aromas and gentle dark cherry compote, pepper, ripe plum and chocolate. There is an openness and a softness to the palate with smooth, velvety tannins and a powerful, plum stone finish. Drink now. (9/2017)

Jancis Robinson

This again was unblended and I tasted only some of the ingredients, most of which were so packed full of fruit that one had to strain to see the tannin. The wine has a wonderfully silky texture and is extremely sappy and lip-smacking. Very promising indeed. 18.5/20 points. (11/2009)