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Domaine Jean Louis Chave Hermitage 2013

  • Jeb Dunnuck
    97 Points
  • Vinous
    97 Points
Domaine Jean Louis Chave Hermitage 2013
  • Jeb Dunnuck
    97 Points
  • Vinous
    97 Points
Domaine Jean Louis Chave Hermitage 2013
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Domaine Jean Louis Chave Hermitage 2013

SKU: DJLC201310 UCAU
15 Plus Years
Regular price $699.99 / bottle
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The Chaves have been growing vines on the famous Hermitage hill for over 500 years

97pts, Jeb Dunnuck!

Sourced from a premium private cellar

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Domaine Jean Louis Chave Hermitage 2013

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Tasting Notes

Domaine Jean Louis Chave Hermitage 2013 exemplifies the exceptional heritage and craftsmanship of one of the Rhône Valley’s most revered estates. The Chave family has cultivated vines on the iconic Hermitage hill for over 500 years, and this vintage showcases their unparalleled expertise in expressing the unique character of this legendary terroir.

Harvested during an ideal 2013 growing season marked by balanced weather that promoted perfect ripening, this wine is crafted exclusively from Syrah grapes grown within the esteemed Hermitage appellation. The result is a profound and harmonious wine with deep garnet color and a complex aromatic profile featuring blackberry, blackcurrant, subtle spice, and smoky undertones.

On the palate, Domaine Jean Louis Chave Hermitage 2013 reveals layered complexity with silky tannins and a long, persistent finish that reflects the distinctive granite soils of Hermitage hill. This wine’s structure and finesse provide excellent aging potential, making it a prized selection for collectors and wine enthusiasts seeking refinement and depth.

Critically acclaimed, this vintage earned a remarkable 97 points from Jeb Dunnuck, underscoring its exceptional quality and the meticulous care taken in its production. Sourced from a premium private cellar, the provenance of this wine ensures authenticity and exclusivity.

This rich and elegant Hermitage pairs beautifully with robust dishes such as game, aged cheeses, and richly flavored meats, highlighting its versatility and depth. Experience the timeless legacy and precision of Domaine Jean Louis Chave through this 2013 vintage, a true expression of Rhône Valley excellence.

Critic Scores

Still in barrel at the time of this tasting, the 2013 Hermitage will certainly be one of the wines of the vintage. Offering classic, granite-induced notes of smoked dark fruits, graphite, searing minerality and bouquet garni, this sensational Hermitage has medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful mid-palate density and building tannin, all with the freshness and purity of the vintage. Reminiscent of a more backwards, tight, focused and granite-driven year (I asked Jean-Louis if there was a similar vintage he could recall, he commented that he couldn't think of one), it has solid ripeness in its aromas and flavors, good sweetness in its tannin, and a great finish. I suspect it will need 7-8 years of cellaring and keep for 20-25 years or more.

(this wine is the final blend and was resting in holding tanks in preparation for bottling, "probably in March," according to Chave): Inky ruby. Vibrant black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by suggestions of candied flowers, incense and licorice, and a bright mineral nuance adds lift. Sweet, fleshy and focused, offering palate-staining cherry compote, black raspberry and violet pastille flavors accented by smoky Indian spices and a hint of cracked pepper. Shows impressive depth but comes off surprisingly lithe, finishing with superb focus and length and fine-grained tannins that sneak in slowly.

Vinification & Cultivation

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Vineyard Cultivation

The Chave family, in their 16th generation at Hermitage, manages 15 hectares of terraced vineyard across 14 separate parcels spanning 11 distinct sites. Ten hectares are planted to Syrah with an average vine age of 50 years; the remaining five hectares hold Marsanne and Roussanne vines exceeding 60 years. Soil composition varies markedly—granite, limestone, and schist—each imparting distinctive mineral character. Jean-Louis Chave, who began working the domaine in 1992 after earning his oenology degree at UC Davis, maintains careful stewardship of this complex patchwork. The 2013 vintage produced elegant whites from these old vines, capturing citrus and brioche notes typical of the cooler growing season.

Vinification

Fermentation unfolds in stainless steel tanks alongside three wooden open-top vessels, allowing precise temperature management and skin contact tailored to each parcel. Rather than full destemming, the team retains stems selectively—up to 50% in very ripe years—to build tannin structure and complexity. The resulting wine enters barrel aged 1–5 years old, with new oak comprising approximately 10% of the cooperage, creating subtle oak influence that complements rather than dominates. The 2013 red aged approximately 18 months in this evolving mix before release.

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