Benchmark Wines by

Chave, J.L.

The Winery

Jean Louis Chave

"The vineyard is more important than who is making the wine. The vineyard was here before us and it will be here after us."
- Jean Louis Chave

The Wine Spectator deemed JL Chave, a 500 year old estate, “the most sought after Rhone bottling among private collectors.” With production at just over 3,000 cases per annum, his passion for letting the terrior speak through the grapes creates wines that are integrated, powerful and complex; there is no makeup on these wines. The focus is on great wines with an emphasis on father to son tradition ‘vignerons de Pere en Fils’.

University of California Davis graduate, Jean Louis Chave, took over as winemaker with the help of his father, Gerard, who is still very much active on the property. They believe the French appellations need more definition, which is evident in his passion for preserving the integrity and individuality of each parcel they source from before blending. There are no chemicals and no machines in the vineyards, and minimal intervention in the cellar. The wines are an expression of their soil, their people and their place.

www.domainejlchave.fr

2004
4 In Stock
750ml
WA95
Favorite
Share
2004
1 Pre-Arrival
750ml
WA95

Wines due to arrive April 2024

Favorite
Share
View all wines by Chave, J.L.

Tasting Notes

WA95
The 2004 Hermitage blanc, which hit 15% natural alcohol, is another superb effort, continuing a succession of totally profound white Hermitages from 2003, 2004, and 2005. As many readers know, this small family producer has been making wine in Hermitage since 1481! The 2004 (about 1000 cases) reveals a light gold color, terrific finesse and elegance in spite of its enormous power, unctuosity, and richness. Of course, it is not as honeyed as the otherworldly 2003 (which hit 16% natural alcohol) but it is an amazingly full-bodied, powerful wine with pervasive honeysuckle, peach liqueur, and nectarine notes intermixed with licorice, quince, and acacia flowers. This is gorgeous wine which should evolve for 20-25 years.

Other wines you may like

2001
2 Pre-Arrival
750ml
WA95
WS93
CT93

Wines due to arrive April 2024

Favorite
Share
1990
1 In Stock
750ml
NL
WA100
Favorite
Share
2002
1 In Stock
750ml
V94
BH93–94
WA93
CT92
Favorite
Share

Rare Wines, Serious Collectors

As the #1 back-vintage retailer in the US, Benchmark Wine Group prides itself on being a trusted source for the greatest wines in the world. Their unparalleled market knowledge and exceptional service have come together to provide the most accessible cellar of rare and sought-after wines with a guarantee.

Provenance Guarantee

Benchmark Wine Group

445 Devlin Road
Napa, CA 94558

Phone: 707.255.3500
Fax: 707.255.3503
SMS: 707.200.4049

Questions?

Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Shipping Questions?
orders@benchmarkwine.com

Included in Wine Enthusiast's 50 Best Wine Retailers in America