Chave/Jean-Louis Hermitage Rouge 2017 1.5L

96-99 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "Jean-Louis Chave had done some preblending of the 2017 Hermitage at the time of my visit, meaning several parcels had already been combined with others, so there were fewer components to taste. A sample that included some L'Ermite, Les Beaumes and Péléat was fragrant, loaded with peppery spice and came across as slightly open-knit (93 - 95). A second component, mostly Le Méal, was richer and riper-tasting, with lush fruit and hints of roasted meat (97 - 99). Finally, a sample Jean-Louis described as "more the core of the blend" (mainly Les Bessards) was simultaneously firm and generous, with notes of crushed stone, cassis and licorice (98 - 100). Drink: 2021-2040. (Dec 2019)"

96-99 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Not yet bottled, the 2017 Hermitage shows a much sunnier, more exuberant aromatic profile with loads of cassis, kirsch liqueur, toasted spices, cured meats, and dried earth. These give way to a full-bodied Hermitage that has a stacked mid-palate, loads of sweet fruit, and building tannins, all while holding onto the class, elegance, and purity that’s the hallmark of this incredible estate. This is another wine where I question if it will ever shut down, but certainly the safe money is on giving bottle a good decade in a cool cellar. (12/12/19)"

97-98 points James Suckling: "Aromas of graphite, tar, dark chocolate and black cherries abound, as well as ripe dark plums. This is a very convincing and complex edition of this wine. The palate is so concentrated and has a super deep, plush and fleshy stream of fresh plums and blackberries, as well as a swathe of fine tannins. Profoundly rich and velvety with a strong backbone. This will age for more than two decades after release. (10/6/20)"

96-97 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "#1) Beaumes: Seductively perfumed red fruit qualities on the nose and palate. In a silky, vaguely Burgundian style, as usual, with seamless texture and strong mineral and floral notes driving the finish. #2) Peleat: From 80+ year old vines. Bright and energetic, showing high-pitched red fruit and violet scents and flavors, a touch of spiciness, steadily building mineral character. Powerful yet lithe, with a mineral-drenched finish that leaves black raspberry and floral pastille notes behind. #3) Ermite: Assertive, highly complex aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, licorice candy and potpourri, with mineral and spice notes in the background. #4) Méal: Displays extroverted, mineral-accented blueberry, cassis, cherry and exotic spice aromas and flavors. A suave violet pastille nuance builds steadily with air. Distinctly rich but the main quality that I get here is balance and finesse. Blends power and delicacy smoothly, with rounded tannins and no rough edges. #5) Bessards: Mineral-accented blackberry and blueberry on the nose, with exotic spice and floral notes adding complexity. Densely packed dark fruit preserve flavors pick up smoky bacon and candied violet accents and show excellent clarity, building tannins and superb, minerally finishing thrust. (Jul 2019)"

19.5/20 points JancisRobinson.com.