1990 Chave Hermitage Collection (1983-2018)
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,291 g. Healthy transparent ruby with a pale rim. Initially rather stodgier and less ethereal on the nose than the Chapoutier 1990 and 1991 Monier de la Sizeranne. Still quite dry and savoury with more tannin in evidence than in the Chapoutiers. Quite marked tannin still and not that much aroma yet, though this may build in the decanter. No sediment! (JR)
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1990 Hermitage has more richness and density, but it is also just a bit bretty. A whole range of sage, rose petal, licorice and lavender notes emerge over time. This isn’t the very best bottle of the 1990 I have ever had, but it is a fine example just the same. Like the 1989, the 1990 is peaking. It will likely hold on for a few more years, maybe more, but it won’t get any better than it is right now.
The 1990 Hermitage is fully mature yet holding beautifully. Perfumed notes of sweet cassis and blackberry fruits, rose hips, smoked meats, and exotic spices all flow to a full-bodied, layered, seamless, flawlessly balanced Hermitage that glides over the palate with no sensation of weight or heaviness. With resolved tannins, beautiful purity, and a great finish, it’s unquestionably ready to go, yet should hold nicely for another 8-10 years.
About the producer
The Chaves have been growing grapes in the Northern Rhône since 1481. Jean-Louis Chave is the 16th generation to head up the family domaine, having taken over from his father in 1992.