Domaine Jean Louis Chave Hermitage Rouge 2016 750ml

A good vintage – the problem was the yields,’ says Jean-Louis. A tasting of principal component lieux-dits Péléat, La Beaume, Les Bessards, L’Ermite and Le Méal show that quality is high. It doesn’t have the same ripe generosity as 2015, but there is still real concentration in the fruit. If anything, it is more elegant, but with a tight tannic structure that points to a Hermitage for long ageing. It may not be as immediately flattering as the sumptuous 2015, but I suspect it will eventually prove more rewarding. This promises to be a truly great Hermitage. 10% new oak.

• Country: France
• Region: Rhone Valley
• Appellation: Hermitage
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Syrah

Known as Syrah in most countries around the world, and Shiraz in Australia and certain other regions of the New World, this grape varietal has proven over the centuries to be one of the most powerful and flavorful red wine grapes there is. It is now one of the planet’s most widely grown grapes, and is a favorite with wineries as a result of its robustness and versatility. It isn’t easy to identify many characteristics of this particular varietal, due to the fact that it is highly versatile and shows significant differences in flavor and character depending on the terroir it is grown in, and the climatic conditions of the region. However, Syrah is most widely associated with full bodied, strong and loud red wines, packed full of fruity and spicy flavors, held in a beautifully deep red liquid.