TN: 1992 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage (France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage)

[Anthony_Lombardi]

• 1992 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage (12/14/2011)
  Gently opened and found the cork in excellent shape. The color was quite advanced. Bricking and browning. The nose showed a myriad of scents even on the first pop of the bottle. Savory notes, herbs, brine, fruit just too many to put one’s finger on. We did not give this any sort of decant, so it breathed over the night in glasses and then received air in the bottle as it descended. The first sip found it pleasant, but it seemed a bit tired. After around 30 minutes or so as it picked up air, it really started to pick up weight and focus. The nose really zeroed in on briny olive characteristics and the palate showed some figgy flavors and a lovely meaty component. The structure has definitely integrated and this bottle was ready to go, but it really woke up beautifully with air.

Posted from CellarTracker

[Steve_Saxon]

@Anthony Lombardi

• 1992 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage (12/14/2011)
  Gently opened and found the cork in excellent shape. The color was quite advanced. Bricking and browning. The nose showed a myriad of scents even on the first pop of the bottle. Savory notes, herbs, brine, fruit just too many to put one’s finger on. We did not give this any sort of decant, so it breathed over the night in glasses and then received air in the bottle as it descended. The first sip found it pleasant, but it seemed a bit tired. After around 30 minutes or so as it picked up air, it really started to pick up weight and focus. The nose really zeroed in on briny olive characteristics and the palate showed some figgy flavors and a lovely meaty component. The structure has definitely integrated and this bottle was ready to go, but it really woke up beautifully with air.

Posted from CellarTracker

Have any more?

[Paul_Jaouen]

I love Chave but have never had a '92. Sounds pretty decent for a crappy vintage.

[Anthony_Lombardi]

Unfortunately no.

[jhowe]

@Paul Jaouen

I love Chave but have never had a '92. Sounds pretty decent for a crappy vintage.

I drank through about 3 cases of this after finding some discounted to around $26 per bottle. Finished the last bottle 3-4 years ago. It was my house red for a little while. Really nice wine. You would enjoy it.

[Dave_Dalluge]

@Anthony Lombardi

• 1992 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage (12/14/2011)
  Gently opened and found the cork in excellent shape. The color was quite advanced. Bricking and browning. The nose showed a myriad of scents even on the first pop of the bottle. Savory notes, herbs, brine, fruit just too many to put one’s finger on. We did not give this any sort of decant, so it breathed over the night in glasses and then received air in the bottle as it descended. The first sip found it pleasant, but it seemed a bit tired. After around 30 minutes or so as it picked up air, it really started to pick up weight and focus. The nose really zeroed in on briny olive characteristics and the palate showed some figgy flavors and a lovely meaty component. The structure has definitely integrated and this bottle was ready to go, but it really woke up beautifully with air.

Posted from CellarTracker

Nice note. We had this at the domaine in 2006 and it showed really, really well. I think Jean-Louis pulled it specifically to show how good supposed off-vintages of his wine can perform. I’ve been on the lookout ever since, but have never seen any at a great price (I’d buy at least three cases if I ever saw it at $26 per bottle).

[Mark_Fister]

@Anthony Lombardi

• 1992 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage (12/14/2011)
  The nose showed a myriad of scents even on the first pop of the bottle … We did not give this any sort of decant, so it breathed over the night in glasses and then received air in the bottle as it descended … it really woke up beautifully with air.

Posted from CellarTracker

I have found that for older wines like this, you will benefit significantly by Slow O for at least 3-4 hours, preferably 8-10. If you have the opportunity to do this in advance, you will be rewarded…