Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage 2018

As virtually all of the various components of Chave’s 2018 Hermitage were still separate, I’ve given a rating that reflects the variability I saw when tasting through the barrels and made a guess regarding Jean-Louis’s blending sensibilities and available volumes. For example, the Péléat (92-94), a pretty, red-fruited element could add freshness but is likely to be a small portion of the blend (if it’s even included). More impressive were the lush, mouthfilling Les Beaumes (95-97) and stony, elegant Le Méal (94-96). Lots from L’Ermite (98-100) and Les Bessards (98-100) will likely make up the bulk of the blend, oozing with liquid stone, intense blueberry and cassis fruit, and possessing firm yet ripe structures. Drink date: 2022-2040. Score – 97-100. (Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com, Dec. 19, 2019)