WTN: not Tain-ted

1990 Hermitage Rouge, J. L. Chave

This was my Christmas wine. It is riding on a plateau at its peak at the moment. It is everything one would look for in mature Hermitage. Deep color with brickish tones. Abundant, classic Northern Rhone syrah aromas of dark fruits with hints of smoke and leather. Full, complex, seamless flavors with everything completely integrated. Peacock tail finish. No hurry to drink up here--I think it's just hitting its stride. Triple Curly with an extra Woo!

-Paul W.

[David M. Bueker]

Nice to still have that. I didn't get on the Chave wagon until later.

This vintage was just around the time that the Parkerization of the Northern Rhone was kicking in. In the 1980s it was easy to find wines from the top producers and the prices were reasonable. By 1995 it was difficult to find producers such as J. L. Chave, Georges Vernay, and Auguste Clape at all, and when you did find them the prices were stratospheric.

-Paul W.

[David M. Bueker]

Well I first came to Chave with 1996, and it was $50, so not stratospheric at all. By 1999 however...

You're right--I got time timeline off by about five years.

-Paul W.