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All Wines from Jean-Louis Chave
Inventory updated: Fri, Nov 28, 2025 09:02 AM cst
Our vintages of Jean-Louis Chave wine currently include: 1989, 1990, 1991, 2000, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Flickinger Fine Wines' inventory of Jean-Louis Chave wine is listed below. We have an excellent and vast assortment of fine wines to choose from. If you do not see what you are looking for, give us a call and we can suggest another Jean-Louis Chave vintage or even another producer that we are sure you will enjoy.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Rhone Red |
| Jean-Louis Chave |
1989 |
Hermitage  Lightly Scuffed Label |
$900 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/1996): This tannic, formidably endowed wine has already begun to close down, but the black/ruby/purple color, the intensely fragrant nose of jammy cassis, minerals, and spices, and the full-bodied, rich, concentrated style are unmistakable. An enormously rich, backward Hermitage, it does not share the roasted character or sheer massiveness and tannic clout of the 1990, but it is a spectacularly concentrated Hermitage that will age effortlessly for 20-30 years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2030. |
|
|
1990 |
Hermitage |
$1,795 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 99 (4/2002): The 1990 is spectacular. When I arrived at 6:00 p.m., September 11, 2001, at Domaine Chave, I found Chave in tears and his family distraught. I had heard about the attacks on the World Trade Center, but not the subsequent collapse of both towers. Gerard Chave knows all about suicidal bombers, having served in the French military during the Algerian revolution. It took a long time to gather sufficient focus to do my tastings. However, the brilliant wines that unfolded in the cellars were, at least for several hours, a much needed antidote for pushing to the back of my mind the horror of 9-11-01.
WS 98 (12/2012): This still very rich and alluring, with a core of dark roasted plum, black currant and blackberry fruit that still has an unctuous feel. There are additional floral and black tea notes, flashes of bergamot and clove, and a lingering tarry edge that supports the finish. Still throws a long shadow. Going in, I would have picked this as the wine to beat from the older vintages, but the '91 prevails in overall grace.—Non-blind Chave vertical (June 2012). Drink now through 2020. 2,500 cases made.
JLL ***** (11/2007): Full, dark red core to the robe, which has a real thorough tone, given its age. There is a wide shape to the bouquet - red berries, with a rich, coulis nature; there is a little aromatic sweet tea, and also a live, slightly acidic afternote, with biscuit and dried raisins as it evolves. The palate sets off with a keen thrust of acidity in its red fruits - really darts along. The red fruit has an angular nature, and is not as spherical or rounded as I recall. The wine settles with some air, bearing the house definition and clear late expression. Is very primary in its way: on this showing, revert in 2009. Its red berry fruit is long, lasting, crisp. It is very young now, indeed a lot younger than it seems, and has more to offer. Rich, but passing through a bit of a transition. |
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|
1990 |
Hermitage Corroded Capsule |
$1,795 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (4/2002): The 1990 is spectacular. When I arrived at 6:00 p.m., September 11, 2001, at Domaine Chave, I found Chave in tears and his family distraught. I had heard about the attacks on the World Trade Center, but not the subsequent collapse of both towers. Gerard Chave knows all about suicidal bombers, having served in the French military during the Algerian revolution. It took a long time to gather sufficient focus to do my tastings. However, the brilliant wines that unfolded in the cellars were, at least for several hours, a much needed antidote for pushing to the back of my mind the horror of 9-11-01.
WS 98 (12/2012): This still very rich and alluring, with a core of dark roasted plum, black currant and blackberry fruit that still has an unctuous feel. There are additional floral and black tea notes, flashes of bergamot and clove, and a lingering tarry edge that supports the finish. Still throws a long shadow. Going in, I would have picked this as the wine to beat from the older vintages, but the '91 prevails in overall grace.—Non-blind Chave vertical (June 2012). Drink now through 2020. 2,500 cases made.
JLL ***** (11/2007): Full, dark red core to the robe, which has a real thorough tone, given its age. There is a wide shape to the bouquet - red berries, with a rich, coulis nature; there is a little aromatic sweet tea, and also a live, slightly acidic afternote, with biscuit and dried raisins as it evolves. The palate sets off with a keen thrust of acidity in its red fruits - really darts along. The red fruit has an angular nature, and is not as spherical or rounded as I recall. The wine settles with some air, bearing the house definition and clear late expression. Is very primary in its way: on this showing, revert in 2009. Its red berry fruit is long, lasting, crisp. It is very young now, indeed a lot younger than it seems, and has more to offer. Rich, but passing through a bit of a transition. |
|
|
2000 |
Hermitage (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,567.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (8/2014): More forward, open and textured, the 2000 Hermitage is an almost promiscuous effort that’s just hard to resist. According to Jean-Louis, this wine has never shut down and has always delivered plenty of pleasure. It has classic cassis and blackberry fruit, bacon fat, violets and herbs to go with a full-bodied, layered and seamless, if not voluptuous, style on the palate. I’d line bottles up for drinking over the coming couple of years, but it should hold nicely for upward of a decade.
JLL ****[*] (12/2015): Slight advance shows on the robe, which is mainly dark red. The nose has slight game airs in with its crunched raspberry aroma; it is inky, has dried flowers such as pot pourri in the air. The palate holds spicy stone fruits with forest influences towards the finish. There are Pinot associations here, with northern freshness - it has true freshness. The tannins are fine and tasty, have cool notes. Its gras is very beau; it is going well, is a pleasurable wine for gastronomy now. “It is growing its complexity with age; we are now selling some of this since there is so little other wine to sell - 2013 was 22 hl/ha, against 25 hl/ha in 2014 and 38 hl/ha in 2015,” Jean-Louis Chave.
WS 95 (7/2012): A sleeper vintage, this has ample flesh, with a smoldering tobacco leaf note weaving through the core of plum, blackberry and black currant fruit. Still shows broad cocoa and tar on the finish, along with nicely defined iron and incense. Has weight and cut. Thoroughly approachable now, but isn't going anywhere soon.—Non-blind Chave vertical (June 2012). Drink now through 2025.
VM 94+ (1/2003): Saturated ruby. Superripe aromas of blackberry, blueberry, clove, minerals and black licorice. Very ripe but precise and penetrating. At once lush and powerful; seamless but with terrific thrust. Black fruit, flint, spice and dark chocolate flavors offer considerable density and verve. Finishes with substantial noble tannins that arrive very late. Has all the elements for longevity. Give this 10 to 12 years before pulling the cork. This comes across as a bit denser than the young 2001 but not finer. The Chaves clearly did a superb job of harvesting in 2000. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2003 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,941.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (2/2006): The perfect 2003 Hermitage has acquired extraordinary minerality as well as definition since I first tasted it 12 months earlier. Its inky/purple color is accompanied by glorious aromas of creme de cassis, black cherries, licorice, crushed rocks, and flowers. Prodigiously rich and full-bodied yet elegant and fresh, this is a tour de force in winemaking. There are no overripe, scorched, pruny, fig-like notes in this extraordinary Hermitage. It will be drinkable young, yet evolve for 35-40+ years.
WS 99 (11/2006): The exotic fig and boysenberry aromas are captivating on their own, but this also delivers waves of dark plum and black currant fruit along with lilac, lavender, tar, roasted game, worn saddle leather and bittersweet cocoa. Then just when it seems like it's too much wine, the massive, loamy yet creamy finish pulls it all together with remarkable focus and lets the minerality sing. The greatest young red I have ever tasted. Drink now through 2036. 750 cases made.
VM 98 (2/2006): "Now we take the monster out of his cage," Jean-Louis warned me before pouring this. Inky, almost black in color. Elemental, hugely concentrated and powerful on the nose, which slowly unveils aromas of dark cherry liqueur, blackberry, cassis, espresso and a deep note of sweet tobacco. Impossibly rich and dense on the palate (the yields in 2003 were off by two-thirds), showing myriad dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors, with a suggestion of tapenade and an intense licorice quality. Remarkably, this takes on a mineral tone on the finish, which has the effect of further drawing out the amazingly powerful finish. |
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2009 |
Hermitage (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$7,995.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2011): The greatest wines Chave has produced since 2003 are the two cuvees of 2009 Hermitage. The 2009 Hermitage exhibits a black/purple color along with a sumptuous nose of roasted meats, ground pepper, black currants, blackberry jam, and subtle smoke and licorice. The extraordinary bouquet is followed by a wine of extravagant intensity as well as tremendous focus and precision. While not as powerful as the blockbuster 2003, the amazing 2009 may turn out to be a modern day version of their magnificent 1990 (which is drinking incredibly well at present). Anyone who loves Hermitage and has a cold cellar should be lining up to get a few bottles of this beauty.
JLL ****** (7/2011): Various casks tasted from the different climats: Peleat (cask) ***** Full, bright robe; wide, expressive, waves of black cherry, griottes on nose. Clear tinkle on start of palate, with a muscular middle, has an aromatic, lasting finale. Lovely fruit, good balance. “this comes from the sand on Peleat, which means there is finesse," J-L Chave. Beaumes (cask) ****(*) Mainly dark robe; oily, rather reductive nose, with marked mineral influence, has tension. Dense, full palate - there is strength here, dark tannin, cocoa in the taste. Hermitage wanting to be southern, is a scaled, probing wine, really solid. Thorough is the word. Le Meal (cask) ****** Sweet notes on the nose, nutty, full red jam airs. Rich palate, a ball of gras richness with a cluster of tannin at the end, an aromatic aftertaste of red cherry , still tight. “a sunshine wine on limestone, so there is some tightness on the palate," J-L Chave. L`Hermite (cask) ****** Good, dark red colour; nutty, very careful, precise nose. Elegant red fruit within. Clear lines along the palate, glinting fruit: this is more Burgundian than the other climats, draws in tannins and chewy matter from half way. Offers fine fruit and tannin, finishes reserved, closed. Elegant wine that can become silky, excellent. The best of the bunch so far. Les Bessards (cask) ****** Full, dark red. Mineral, ripe red jam aroma, soft licorice notes, unusual bouquet. Pebbly black fruit with breathing intensity and fullness, muscled late stages; this is long and hermetic, complete wine. Licorice on the aftertaste. Just ahead of L`Hermite in quality. “Very lean, tight. Bessards is more pure, Meal more showy this year. Bessards has always been reserved like this," J-L Chave. OVERALL ****** Two key constituents this year for its class - L`Hermite and Les Bessards; their influence will drive the wine ultimately. At first the fat richness of Meal will show up strongly. Heading for a complex future.
VM 96 (4/2012): Tasted in four components that were to be blended at the end of November, 2011: #1: Deep cherry and dark berries on the nose and palate, with slow-mounting spiciness and serious finishing cling and power. #2: Wilder and more pungent, offering intense floral-accented red and dark berry qualities and notes of olive and candied licorice. This is mostly Meal, according to Chave. #3: Deep, smoky and aromatic, displaying an array of dark berry and spice qualities and a strong potpourri note. Juicy and focused on the finish, with the dark fruit note repeating. #4: Stunning aromas of violet, rose, black raspberry and cola, with a blast of Asian spices on the back. Juicy, mineral-driven and pure, with excellent finishing clarity and lingering sweetness. This should be a stunner. |
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|
2009 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,044.98 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2011): The greatest wines Chave has produced since 2003 are the two cuvees of 2009 Hermitage. The 2009 Hermitage exhibits a black/purple color along with a sumptuous nose of roasted meats, ground pepper, black currants, blackberry jam, and subtle smoke and licorice. The extraordinary bouquet is followed by a wine of extravagant intensity as well as tremendous focus and precision. While not as powerful as the blockbuster 2003, the amazing 2009 may turn out to be a modern day version of their magnificent 1990 (which is drinking incredibly well at present). Anyone who loves Hermitage and has a cold cellar should be lining up to get a few bottles of this beauty.
JLL ****** (7/2011): Various casks tasted from the different climats: Peleat (cask) ***** Full, bright robe; wide, expressive, waves of black cherry, griottes on nose. Clear tinkle on start of palate, with a muscular middle, has an aromatic, lasting finale. Lovely fruit, good balance. “this comes from the sand on Peleat, which means there is finesse," J-L Chave. Beaumes (cask) ****(*) Mainly dark robe; oily, rather reductive nose, with marked mineral influence, has tension. Dense, full palate - there is strength here, dark tannin, cocoa in the taste. Hermitage wanting to be southern, is a scaled, probing wine, really solid. Thorough is the word. Le Meal (cask) ****** Sweet notes on the nose, nutty, full red jam airs. Rich palate, a ball of gras richness with a cluster of tannin at the end, an aromatic aftertaste of red cherry , still tight. “a sunshine wine on limestone, so there is some tightness on the palate," J-L Chave. L`Hermite (cask) ****** Good, dark red colour; nutty, very careful, precise nose. Elegant red fruit within. Clear lines along the palate, glinting fruit: this is more Burgundian than the other climats, draws in tannins and chewy matter from half way. Offers fine fruit and tannin, finishes reserved, closed. Elegant wine that can become silky, excellent. The best of the bunch so far. Les Bessards (cask) ****** Full, dark red. Mineral, ripe red jam aroma, soft licorice notes, unusual bouquet. Pebbly black fruit with breathing intensity and fullness, muscled late stages; this is long and hermetic, complete wine. Licorice on the aftertaste. Just ahead of L`Hermite in quality. “Very lean, tight. Bessards is more pure, Meal more showy this year. Bessards has always been reserved like this," J-L Chave. OVERALL ****** Two key constituents this year for its class - L`Hermite and Les Bessards; their influence will drive the wine ultimately. At first the fat richness of Meal will show up strongly. Heading for a complex future.
VM 96 (4/2012): Tasted in four components that were to be blended at the end of November, 2011: #1: Deep cherry and dark berries on the nose and palate, with slow-mounting spiciness and serious finishing cling and power. #2: Wilder and more pungent, offering intense floral-accented red and dark berry qualities and notes of olive and candied licorice. This is mostly Meal, according to Chave. #3: Deep, smoky and aromatic, displaying an array of dark berry and spice qualities and a strong potpourri note. Juicy and focused on the finish, with the dark fruit note repeating. #4: Stunning aromas of violet, rose, black raspberry and cola, with a blast of Asian spices on the back. Juicy, mineral-driven and pure, with excellent finishing clarity and lingering sweetness. This should be a stunner. |
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|
2009 |
Hermitage (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$8,450.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2011): The greatest wines Chave has produced since 2003 are the two cuvees of 2009 Hermitage. The 2009 Hermitage exhibits a black/purple color along with a sumptuous nose of roasted meats, ground pepper, black currants, blackberry jam, and subtle smoke and licorice. The extraordinary bouquet is followed by a wine of extravagant intensity as well as tremendous focus and precision. While not as powerful as the blockbuster 2003, the amazing 2009 may turn out to be a modern day version of their magnificent 1990 (which is drinking incredibly well at present). Anyone who loves Hermitage and has a cold cellar should be lining up to get a few bottles of this beauty.
JLL ****** (7/2011): Various casks tasted from the different climats: Peleat (cask) ***** Full, bright robe; wide, expressive, waves of black cherry, griottes on nose. Clear tinkle on start of palate, with a muscular middle, has an aromatic, lasting finale. Lovely fruit, good balance. “this comes from the sand on Peleat, which means there is finesse," J-L Chave. Beaumes (cask) ****(*) Mainly dark robe; oily, rather reductive nose, with marked mineral influence, has tension. Dense, full palate - there is strength here, dark tannin, cocoa in the taste. Hermitage wanting to be southern, is a scaled, probing wine, really solid. Thorough is the word. Le Meal (cask) ****** Sweet notes on the nose, nutty, full red jam airs. Rich palate, a ball of gras richness with a cluster of tannin at the end, an aromatic aftertaste of red cherry , still tight. “a sunshine wine on limestone, so there is some tightness on the palate," J-L Chave. L`Hermite (cask) ****** Good, dark red colour; nutty, very careful, precise nose. Elegant red fruit within. Clear lines along the palate, glinting fruit: this is more Burgundian than the other climats, draws in tannins and chewy matter from half way. Offers fine fruit and tannin, finishes reserved, closed. Elegant wine that can become silky, excellent. The best of the bunch so far. Les Bessards (cask) ****** Full, dark red. Mineral, ripe red jam aroma, soft licorice notes, unusual bouquet. Pebbly black fruit with breathing intensity and fullness, muscled late stages; this is long and hermetic, complete wine. Licorice on the aftertaste. Just ahead of L`Hermite in quality. “Very lean, tight. Bessards is more pure, Meal more showy this year. Bessards has always been reserved like this," J-L Chave. OVERALL ****** Two key constituents this year for its class - L`Hermite and Les Bessards; their influence will drive the wine ultimately. At first the fat richness of Meal will show up strongly. Heading for a complex future.
VM 96 (4/2012): Tasted in four components that were to be blended at the end of November, 2011: #1: Deep cherry and dark berries on the nose and palate, with slow-mounting spiciness and serious finishing cling and power. #2: Wilder and more pungent, offering intense floral-accented red and dark berry qualities and notes of olive and candied licorice. This is mostly Meal, according to Chave. #3: Deep, smoky and aromatic, displaying an array of dark berry and spice qualities and a strong potpourri note. Juicy and focused on the finish, with the dark fruit note repeating. #4: Stunning aromas of violet, rose, black raspberry and cola, with a blast of Asian spices on the back. Juicy, mineral-driven and pure, with excellent finishing clarity and lingering sweetness. This should be a stunner. |
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2010 |
Hermitage (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$9,967.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2012): Pure perfection, the 2010 Hermitage reminds Jean-Louis Chave of their 1990. It appears to be a richer, fresher example of what I remember the 1990 tasting like in 1992. The wine exhibits an opaque purple color along with an extraordinary bouquet of sweet blackberry fruit intermixed with creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, acacia flowers, bouquet garni, meat and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and stunningly rich with laser-like precision, this is a powerful, massive yet exceptionally well-balanced wine that should be forgotten for a decade and drunk over the following 30-40 years.
JLL ****** (11/2012): (1st tank, pre-assembly) dark red. Close-knit, deep mass, solid bouquet. There is a lot on the palate - it builds up big scale tannins, has a roasted, thorough heart - and will live a very long time - 36 years. (2nd tank) notably ripe fruit, really ripe fruit air - red fruit that is mulled, shows fates as well. The palate is broad, muscular, ptofound, gives a spark of late tannin, It is very dense, but also ends with grip, crunch. 31 years. (3rd tank) dark; this has a lot of Meal, so it gives a full red berry, has solid tannins, a sunny and layered totality. The nose is compact, deep, shows the density of jam in its fruit aroma. The best so far. Storming. 36 years. (4th tank) powdery air. This is Meal/Beaumes and the nose has a raspberry. Flinty mix. The palate is stylish, has an intricate mystery, is smoky, fresh, and long. The finish is sizeable. Intellectual wine. 33 years. (5th tank) dark red; Bessards content here - compact nose, shows licorice, smoked bacon. The palate is steely - has real good grip and carry. Gusto here, proper fruit, has great spine - Bessards saves the world! OVERALL ****** this is going right on track, as per previous expectations. It is due for bottling in Jan/Feb 2013. The wine works on all fronts - depth, persistence, pockets of fragrance, is very long, nuanced. Très Grand Vin. 2049-2055
VM 96-97 (4/2013): Inky ruby. Intensely perfumed, heady bouquet displays an array of candied dark fruits, floral pastille and spicecake aromas. Powerful cherry and raspberry preserve flavors stain the palate and show remarkable depth, with bright acidity adding lift and cut. Finishes with bright, spice-accented cherry and candied licorice flavors and superb persistence. |
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2010 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,983.98 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2012): Pure perfection, the 2010 Hermitage reminds Jean-Louis Chave of their 1990. It appears to be a richer, fresher example of what I remember the 1990 tasting like in 1992. The wine exhibits an opaque purple color along with an extraordinary bouquet of sweet blackberry fruit intermixed with creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, acacia flowers, bouquet garni, meat and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and stunningly rich with laser-like precision, this is a powerful, massive yet exceptionally well-balanced wine that should be forgotten for a decade and drunk over the following 30-40 years.
JLL ****** (11/2012): (1st tank, pre-assembly) dark red. Close-knit, deep mass, solid bouquet. There is a lot on the palate - it builds up big scale tannins, has a roasted, thorough heart - and will live a very long time - 36 years. (2nd tank) notably ripe fruit, really ripe fruit air - red fruit that is mulled, shows fates as well. The palate is broad, muscular, ptofound, gives a spark of late tannin, It is very dense, but also ends with grip, crunch. 31 years. (3rd tank) dark; this has a lot of Meal, so it gives a full red berry, has solid tannins, a sunny and layered totality. The nose is compact, deep, shows the density of jam in its fruit aroma. The best so far. Storming. 36 years. (4th tank) powdery air. This is Meal/Beaumes and the nose has a raspberry. Flinty mix. The palate is stylish, has an intricate mystery, is smoky, fresh, and long. The finish is sizeable. Intellectual wine. 33 years. (5th tank) dark red; Bessards content here - compact nose, shows licorice, smoked bacon. The palate is steely - has real good grip and carry. Gusto here, proper fruit, has great spine - Bessards saves the world! OVERALL ****** this is going right on track, as per previous expectations. It is due for bottling in Jan/Feb 2013. The wine works on all fronts - depth, persistence, pockets of fragrance, is very long, nuanced. Très Grand Vin. 2049-2055
VM 96-97 (4/2013): Inky ruby. Intensely perfumed, heady bouquet displays an array of candied dark fruits, floral pastille and spicecake aromas. Powerful cherry and raspberry preserve flavors stain the palate and show remarkable depth, with bright acidity adding lift and cut. Finishes with bright, spice-accented cherry and candied licorice flavors and superb persistence. |
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2010 |
Hermitage (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$10,726.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2012): Pure perfection, the 2010 Hermitage reminds Jean-Louis Chave of their 1990. It appears to be a richer, fresher example of what I remember the 1990 tasting like in 1992. The wine exhibits an opaque purple color along with an extraordinary bouquet of sweet blackberry fruit intermixed with creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, acacia flowers, bouquet garni, meat and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and stunningly rich with laser-like precision, this is a powerful, massive yet exceptionally well-balanced wine that should be forgotten for a decade and drunk over the following 30-40 years.
JLL ****** (11/2012): (1st tank, pre-assembly) dark red. Close-knit, deep mass, solid bouquet. There is a lot on the palate - it builds up big scale tannins, has a roasted, thorough heart - and will live a very long time - 36 years. (2nd tank) notably ripe fruit, really ripe fruit air - red fruit that is mulled, shows fates as well. The palate is broad, muscular, ptofound, gives a spark of late tannin, It is very dense, but also ends with grip, crunch. 31 years. (3rd tank) dark; this has a lot of Meal, so it gives a full red berry, has solid tannins, a sunny and layered totality. The nose is compact, deep, shows the density of jam in its fruit aroma. The best so far. Storming. 36 years. (4th tank) powdery air. This is Meal/Beaumes and the nose has a raspberry. Flinty mix. The palate is stylish, has an intricate mystery, is smoky, fresh, and long. The finish is sizeable. Intellectual wine. 33 years. (5th tank) dark red; Bessards content here - compact nose, shows licorice, smoked bacon. The palate is steely - has real good grip and carry. Gusto here, proper fruit, has great spine - Bessards saves the world! OVERALL ****** this is going right on track, as per previous expectations. It is due for bottling in Jan/Feb 2013. The wine works on all fronts - depth, persistence, pockets of fragrance, is very long, nuanced. Très Grand Vin. 2049-2055
VM 96-97 (4/2013): Inky ruby. Intensely perfumed, heady bouquet displays an array of candied dark fruits, floral pastille and spicecake aromas. Powerful cherry and raspberry preserve flavors stain the palate and show remarkable depth, with bright acidity adding lift and cut. Finishes with bright, spice-accented cherry and candied licorice flavors and superb persistence. |
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2011 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,250.98 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (12/2014): Tasted from bottle, the 2011 Hermitage sports a ruby/purple color to go with an awesome bouquet of sweet cassis, dried flowers, spice-box, ground pepper and crushed stone. One of the more serious, focused and structured 2011s, it has fabulous concentration, sweet tannin and a seamless texture. Give it 5-6 years and enjoy bottles over the following 2 decades or more.
WS 96 (11/2014): A grippy, mouthwatering style offering solid, briary tannins inlaid with finely beaded acidity, all of which melds into the core of anise, blackberry paste and fig sauce favors. Shows terrific energy on the singed apple wood finish. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2016 through 2030. 2,500 cases made.
VM 94-95 (3/2014): This wine was still broken out into five different pre-blended components when I visited in November but should be in bottle by now. #1: Intense red fruit and floral qualities, with a bright mineral underpinning. #2: Wilder and spicier, with zesty red fruit and star anise nuances and a touch of smokiness. #3: More dark and brooding, showing powerful bitter cherry and cassis qualities and strong back-end power. #4: Distinctly mineral-driven, precise red fruit and floral pastille aromas and flavors, with a deeper note of cola in the background. #5: Powerful cassis and bitter cherry aromas and flavors pick up spiciness and floral character with a little air. The most densely packed of these samples but showing surprising finishing vivacity and cut. Jean-Louis thinks that this wine "will be a little strict" for a while after bottling and hopes that people don't jump too quickly into it simply because 2011 is perceived as an easy vintage. Josh Raynolds. |
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2012 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,250.98 |
2 |
|
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VM 95-97 (3/2014): Presented as components from four different barrels: #1, from Beaume: Exotic scents of candied licorice, dark berries and smoky Indian spices. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the middle, displaying superb depth to its bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors. #2, from Peleat: Explosive red fruit and potpourri aromas, with a bright mineral overtone. Silky and sweet, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry compote flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate. The red fruit note echoes strongly on the back half. #3, from Meal: Fleshier and rounder than the first two components, offering plush dark berry and violet flavors that coat the palate. Chewy tannins build on the finish and fold smoothly into the wine's dense fruit. #4, from Bessards: Emphatic mineral and dark berry aromas pick up a sexy floral note and a hint of cola. Sappy, penetrating and sharply focused, displaying an impressive array of red fruit and floral qualities and strong finishing spiciness. Jean-Louis Chave told me he thinks this wine will be "classic Hermitage with an emphasis on fruit, not structure, but not lacking in structure at all--just compared to, say, 2010 and 2005."
JLL ****[*] (1/2015): Bottled last week: dark red. Mulberry/raspberry fruit aroma with a nice freedom, a low-key savoury and bacon backdrop, a note of crème de menthe. The palate favours elegance over strength, holds tangy, clear dark fruit, and there is good cut in the tannins. There are pockets of pepper that remind me of 2001. It moves clearly to the finish, where a ball of gras richness awaits. The clarity can expand over time. The fruit is tasty, and the aftertaste has a fruit lozenge, appealing nature combined with spice. It is showing a very good first flush of youth. “It has a supple side to it, no rusticity - it is both fine and supple; I associate it, like you, with 2001, and it is Burgundian in spirit,” Jean-Louis Chave. From 2021 for the second phase.
WA 94-97 (12/2014): Looking at the 2012 Hermitage, which is still resting in barrels and getting ready to be bottled, it’s a much more classic, easy to read Hermitage that has lots of ripe, sweet fruit in its full-bodied, concentrated, textured profile. It has copious sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, violet and serious granite-like minerality, superb mid-palate depth and a focused, structured finish. It’s a beautiful, classy 2012 that will have 20-25+ years of longevity. |
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2015 |
Hermitage (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,478.98 |
1 |
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JD 98-100 (4/2018): Not yet bottled, the 2015 Hermitage has perfection written all over it and reminds me of the 2010. Graphite, charcoal, liquid rock, and sensationally pure crème de cassis notes all soar from the glass of this full-bodied, concentrated, opulent 2015. This is a big, sexy beast of a Hermitage, yet it has the classic minerality, purity, and balance shown by just about every wine made from this estate. Forget bottles for 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 4-5 decades.
WA 98-100 (12/2017): After tasting several intermediate blends that will ultimately be combined in some proportion to create the 2015 Hermitage, I would not be surprised to see the final result achieve perfection. Although massively ripe and concentrated, there is still a feeling of balance and elegance in the wines that I fully expect to carry over into the final product. As the blending process isn’t complete, Jean-Louis warned that it was too early to say if there would be a Cuvee Cathelin, which is typically an Outstanding parcel that, for some reason, doesn’t work in the rest of the blend.
VM 97 (4/2018): Youthful purple color. Mineral-accented dark berries, star anise, cola, olive and pungent flowers on the explosively perfumed nose. Offers impressively concentrated, expansive flavors of black raspberry, spicecake, smoked meat and candied flowers that are complicated by licorice candy and dark chocolate notes that sneak in on the back half. Sweet, sappy and precise on the floral- and dark fruit-driven finish, which shows Outstanding clarity and round, harmonious tannins that build smoothly and steadily. Josh Raynolds.
JLL ****** (10/2016): 1) (Peleat, 228-litre cask) ***** dark robe. Black cherry features in a deep nose with rolling layers of aroma, is more deep than usual. There is a cool fruit debut to the palate, comes with sparkling clarity, reaches out well with a sure hand. There is a fine grain crunch from the tannins. It is well balanced, has ace juice within, fine grip, great freshness. “The fruit is silky, gourmand,” Jean-Louis Chave. 27 years. |
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2017 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,340.99 |
1 |
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2018 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,421.99 |
3 |
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2019 |
Hermitage (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,174.97 |
1 |
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| JD 97-99 (2/2022): A potential candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2019 Hermitage is a massive, full-bodied, yet mineral-laced and undeniably classic wine from this estate. All of the components showed incredibly well, with the Le Méal offering classic sexiness, the Hermite being straight and focused, and the Bessards just as good as any Syrah out there. It shows the ripeness of the vintage, yet the purity of fruit is incredible. It’s another magical wine in an incredible series of awesome Hermitage from this family. |
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2019 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,421.99 |
3 |
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| JD 97-99 (2/2022): A potential candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2019 Hermitage is a massive, full-bodied, yet mineral-laced and undeniably classic wine from this estate. All of the components showed incredibly well, with the Le Méal offering classic sexiness, the Hermite being straight and focused, and the Bessards just as good as any Syrah out there. It shows the ripeness of the vintage, yet the purity of fruit is incredible. It’s another magical wine in an incredible series of awesome Hermitage from this family. |
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2020 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,361.97 |
2 |
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2021 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,170.99 |
2 |
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2022 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,990.98 |
4 |
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1991 |
Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin |
$14,000 |
4 |
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JD 98 (10/2023): Made by Gerard Chave with help from his son Jean-Louis, the 1991 Hermitage Cuvée Cathelin is an incredible treat to taste today, now at 31 years after the grapes were harvested. As always, this is a tiny cuvée that's pulled from the Bessards lieu-dit on the western side of this magical south-facing slope. Fully mature and clearly at its peak, it's considerably richer and more layered than the classic Hermitage and has an almost seemingly Burgundian elegance and nuance in its red and black fruits, flowers, rose petals, crushed stone, and subtly gamey nuances. Remarkably complex, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate and is flawlessly balanced, has resolved tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This heavenly, singular Hermitage isn't going to get better, but it will certainly have a gradual evolution going forward. As Jean-Louis has often told me, the wines don't exist until the bottles are opened, so if you have these, come up with a special occasion and pop a cork.
VM 95+ (7/1999): Full ruby-red. Knockout aromas of cassis, roast coffee, bacon fat and minerals. Incredibly sweet in the mouth, but with brilliant clarity and delineation of flavor. Superripe yet shapely and light on its feet. Endless, fruit-driven aftertaste. Tannins and acids are covered by sheer material. An extraordinary achievement, even for this very good and somewhat underrated vintage.
WA 98 (4/2002): The 1991 is a sleeper. I suspect many readers have forgotten how spectacular this vintage was in the northern Rhone, particularly Cote Rotie. |
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2000 |
Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$48,041.99 |
1 |
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WA 96 (6/2003): Surprisingly, there will be about 200 cases produced of a 2000 Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin. Based on earlier visits, I thought this cuvee would not be produced again as the Chaves were embarrassed by all the attention previous offerings received. However, they will continue to produce it as long as it does not detract from their classic cuvee. The Cuvee Cathelin displays more new oak than the regular bottling as well as firmer tannin, yet also great length, palate presence, and structure. Boasting a chocolatey, blackberry nose, huge intensity, and super elegance and finesse, it will require 5-6 years of cellaring. Qualitatively, it is no better than its sibling, but does possess additional structure and new oak characteristics. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040.
VM 95-96 (2/2003): Bright saturated ruby. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, pepper and spices, with a hint of exotic fruits. Silky and seamless but also primary and precise, with a great lightness of touch. Utterly spherical wine, like Romanee-Conti to the basic bottling's La Tache. Wonderfully subtle and extremely long on the aftertaste, with the expanding flavors maintaining near-magical focus. Interestingly, the regular 2000 is more open today despite the fact that it was recently bottled. |
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2011 |
St. Joseph (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$517.97 |
1 |
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2020 |
St. Joseph (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$602.97 |
2 |
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2020 |
St. Joseph (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,208.99 |
1 |
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2022 |
St. Joseph (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$602.98 |
6 |
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| | Rhone White |
| Jean-Louis Chave |
2008 |
Hermitage Blanc |
$250 |
1 |
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JLL ****[*] (6/2011): Lustrous pale yellow robe with a fine aspect about it. Has an oak-forward nose, which is fine, so toasted; there is low-key white fruit behind, a suggestion of lavender, light herbs, spice touches. The palate delivers fine fruit in a pebbly texture - this is not at all unctuous, and reflects therefore the weather of the vintage and the ripening cycle. The palate is oak-flecked, holds a dried fruits flavour, and there is a gradual emergence of flan towards the finish - a little gras. There is a spiced grip on the finish, the length is fresh, breezy, wax and flower influenced. This does not show overt gras, is a fine style of wine. From 2015. Patience will be rewarded.
WS 95 (11/2011): Lush yet precise, with green tea, honeysuckle and quinine notes rippling through the core of green plum, pear and Jonagold apple fruit. The finish has mouthwatering minerality and subtle persistence. Seamless and long. Best from 2012 through 2022. 500 cases made.
VM 94 (2/2011): Pale gold. Deeply scented aromas of pit fruits and orange marmalade, with hints of smoke and botanical herbs adding complexity. Densely packed but surprisingly lithe in the mouth, offering subtly sweet pit fruit flavors and a solid mineral jolt, as well as mounting spiciness and a strong floral quality. The minerality adds lift and cut to a very long and incisive finish. Chave thinks this will close down soon and be a long ager.
WA 92 (2/2011): Consequently, there is little of the 2008 Hermitage Blanc (which was scheduled to be bottled the week after my visit), but it is one of the finest 2008s produced in the Northern Rhone. The wine offers up scents of almond paste, brioche, white currants and quince as well as a full-bodied, concentrated personality displaying good acidity and a more forward style than either the 2009 or 2007. It is best drunk in its first 7-8 years of life. |
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2008 |
Hermitage Blanc
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$477.97 |
1 |
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JLL ****[*] (6/2011): Lustrous pale yellow robe with a fine aspect about it. Has an oak-forward nose, which is fine, so toasted; there is low-key white fruit behind, a suggestion of lavender, light herbs, spice touches. The palate delivers fine fruit in a pebbly texture - this is not at all unctuous, and reflects therefore the weather of the vintage and the ripening cycle. The palate is oak-flecked, holds a dried fruits flavour, and there is a gradual emergence of flan towards the finish - a little gras. There is a spiced grip on the finish, the length is fresh, breezy, wax and flower influenced. This does not show overt gras, is a fine style of wine. From 2015. Patience will be rewarded.
WS 95 (11/2011): Lush yet precise, with green tea, honeysuckle and quinine notes rippling through the core of green plum, pear and Jonagold apple fruit. The finish has mouthwatering minerality and subtle persistence. Seamless and long. Best from 2012 through 2022. 500 cases made.
VM 94 (2/2011): Pale gold. Deeply scented aromas of pit fruits and orange marmalade, with hints of smoke and botanical herbs adding complexity. Densely packed but surprisingly lithe in the mouth, offering subtly sweet pit fruit flavors and a solid mineral jolt, as well as mounting spiciness and a strong floral quality. The minerality adds lift and cut to a very long and incisive finish. Chave thinks this will close down soon and be a long ager.
WA 92 (2/2011): Consequently, there is little of the 2008 Hermitage Blanc (which was scheduled to be bottled the week after my visit), but it is one of the finest 2008s produced in the Northern Rhone. The wine offers up scents of almond paste, brioche, white currants and quince as well as a full-bodied, concentrated personality displaying good acidity and a more forward style than either the 2009 or 2007. It is best drunk in its first 7-8 years of life. |
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2010 |
Hermitage Blanc (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,994.99 |
1 |
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WS 99 (11/2013): Ripe and unctuous, showing terrific cut, with heather, white peach, green almond, Anjou pear, persimmon and macadamia nut notes all framed by a toasted brioche hint. Exquisitely detailed through the finish, with salted butter and chamomile details. Remains refined, focused and pure, despite the obvious power. Best from 2017 through 2030. 171 cases imported.
WA 97 (12/2012): As for the 2010 Hermitage Blanc, it is an exquisite wine with fabulous fruit intensity. Lots of acacia flower, anise, quince, fig and pineapple intermixed with a hint of white peaches emerge from this well-delineated, full-bodied, enormously endowed, complex, dry white Hermitage. This wine lives up to the reputation bestowed on it by President Thomas Jefferson when he said in the 1780s that white Hermitages were France’s greatest white wine. The 2010 should drink well for 30-40+ years.
VM 96 (3/2013): Light gold. Heady, mineral-accented aromas of poached pear, lemon curd, truffle honey, white flowers and ginger, with a smoky topnote. Broad, palate-staining orchard and pit fruit flavors are braced by juicy acidity and pick up spice and toasted grain nuances with air. Notes of iodine and sweet butter come up on the finish, which goes on and on. Josh Raynolds.
JLL ***** (11/2012): Glinting yellow robe. The nose is striking - it is ample and complex, varied, with plenty of hidden corners. Butter, peach, flowers, oak line up on parade. The palate has a light touch debut; this is good, linear wine with a cloak of matter and the spine to direct it. While linear, it is also full, and there are no bumps as it travels. The finish is complete and round, bringing forward white raisin, peach and a note of “fine steel”, an aniseed splash. Interesting, plenty to enjoy and muse about. From 2019. “There was a lot of coulure in 2010, and the beauty of it was the balance, even with a small crop. The work of the assembly was to give it a bit more weight without heaviness. It resembles a good 1996 or 1991,” Jean-Louis Chave. Bottled Sept 2012. |
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2011 |
Hermitage Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,963.98 |
1 |
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JLL ***** (1/2015): Yellow robe. Varnish, soaked white plums, dried fruits airs combine with verbena, tilleul (linden), brioche baked bread, aniseed, spice and Comte cheese. There is plenty of potential on the nose. The palate bears generous gras richness and body in a rolled up, withdrawn wine. It is elegant inside. The finale is lucid, dentelle, the aftertaste bringing forward aniseed, some licorice. The tightness on the finish is impressive. Come back to this when it is 12 to 15 years’ old for all its possibilities. “It is more serious than the 2012,” Jean-Louis Chave.
WS 97 (11/2014): Still a bit reserved aromatically, with hints of orange blossom and crème anglaise peeking out, this features a captivating display of racy quinine, honeysuckle and white peach flavors inlaid into a rich core of brioche, Cavaillon melon, white truffle, smoked almond and heather honey. Incredibly long. Hard to resist now, but be patient. Best from 2019 through 2030. 1,250 cases made.
WA 96 (12/2013): Just bottled, the 2011 Hermitage Blanc also shows the richer side of Hermitage with its full-bodied, voluptuously textured and up-front profile. Honeysuckle, licorice, toast, citrus oil and liquid mineral-like qualities all emerge from this beauty, and it stays beautifully fresh and focused on the palate. A blend of mostly Marsanne, yet with roughly 20% Roussanne, from the l’Ermite, Les Rocoules, Maison Blanche and Peleat lieux-dits, this substantial white should be consumed over the coming 2-4 years, or forgotten for a decade or more. It will have over two decades of longevity.
VM 95 (3/2014): Light yellow. Intense scents of nectarine, pear skin and lemon curd, with complicating floral and mineral notes gaining power with air. Broad and fleshy but tightly focused, offering vibrant orchard and pit fruit flavors and a refreshingly bitter note of citrus pith. Dry and nervy on the penetrating, powerful. sharply focused finish, which leaves sexy honeysuckle and ginger notes behind. I suspect that this wine will age gracefully on its tension and balance. Josh Raynolds. |
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2014 |
Hermitage Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,665.97 |
1 |
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VM 95 (7/2017): Light yellow-gold. Vibrant, mineral-accented citrus and pit fruits, honey and nougat on the intensely perfumed nose, joined by a suave floral nuance. Shows superb depth as well as vivacity, offering sappy orange, pear and nectarine flavors supported a firm spine of smoky minerality. The floral and mineral elements come back strong on the bright, sharply focused, extremely long finish, which leaves a candied lemon zest note behind. Josh Raynolds.
JLL ****[*] (12/2015): This is a very good vintage for the white. The wine has abundant style, and inner depth, length. I would not be surprised that this emerges in bottle as a ***** wine when tasted at six years’ old, for example. |
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2017 |
Hermitage Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,867.97 |
1 |
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2018 |
Hermitage Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,183.99 |
2 |
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2020 |
Hermitage Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,935.99 |
1 |
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2021 |
Hermitage Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,622.97 |
8 |
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