Where have I been? How did I miss this wine when it was selling for a song? This is the quintessential, most exquisite Chave Hermitage to drink right now. The perfect mix of Syrah beefines and a Burgundy-like elegance that is just so intriguing and satisfying. Gorgeous nose of violets, jasmine, white pepper and a little smoke give way to simply pure fruit dark fruits and a long but sensuous finish. A beautifully balanced wine that is juicy but light on its feet. I’d drink this any day and I am happy I have 8 more bottles! If you can find any, buy it. (disclosure I am NOT selling it)
I totally agree Max. I love this wine. There are bigger Chaves but few that are as complex and beautiful as this one.
Agree with both of you. I bought a case of this on release, and just finished my last bottle. It’s been showing well for at least 5 years. Wish I had more.
Yep…a typical case of bigger not always better 
The interesting part is that I gave a glass of this to a friend who loves young cult California cabs and even he was floored by how gorgeous the wine was. One of those wines that open your eyes and your mind for sure, along with those Lopez de Heredia…but maybe we shouldn’t spread the word.
Agreed. I have had the 1983 and the 1990 in the last month, but a 1991 I had last year remains as one of the very best bottles of Chave I have ever tasted. Utterly on point and actually ready.
1989 and 1990, in Spinal Tap fashion, may go up to 11 (I like the 1989 better myself) but the 1991 is just way too sexy and not overly funky or over the top. Classic.
Completely agree, Max. This wine has always been a textbook example for me of what balance is. It’s just so deft and light on its feet. Back in the late '90’s, when I worked at Garnet, I remember we were selling magnums of this for $99. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to buy any. ![[cray.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/8/853b6e76c6e8406be77a6727c2a27ad1672678b3.gif "cry"){kind=small}
Brad
$99 for magnums…ouch that is sad. I remember being offered cases by Robert Chadderdon back in 1995 for about $40 per bottle and only bought one. Damn!!
Completely agree on the style the 91 Chave. I also liked the 1991 Jaboulet La Chapelle. The 1990 vintage got so much press that the 91’s were placed somewhat in their shadow. But every experience I have had with these two wines reinforced why I love Syrah so much.
Hate to say this but I wish more California Syrahs would provide the this type of experience without the heaviness so often encountered.
I guess I’m in the minority here, but I consider this to be a good, rather than great, vintage. I’ve had it side-by-side with the '89 at least four times over the past three years, and it has never beaten that wine mano-a-mano.
That said, still very pleasurable, IMO, so it’s not like I’m complaining when I drink it ![[cheers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/0/0ff9bfcdb0964982cd3240b6159868fbdf215b1a.gif "cheers"){kind=small}
Nice note MAx.
Chave is one of those producers…
I just bought some 2006 today ($165.99) RP says…better than the 2007 reminds him of the 91. Does that mean I have to wait to 2024 to enjoy?
Hey Suzanne,
Love the 2006 and no, you won’t have to wait until 2024. My guess is that it will be at its best in about 6-7 years. In a very cold cellar you can probably add another 2-3 years. I certainly see it being a remake of the 1991. Very fine, graceful but with plenty of stuffing.