Hermitage Blanc JL Chave 2015 (750ML)

95-97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Chave continues to make a full-throttle, concentrated and unctuous Hermitage Blanc, and refuses to buy into the ridiculous trend toward making Sauvignon Blanc-like whites from this tiny, magical terroir. God bless him for that and there are few whites I'd rather drink than a mature Hermitage Blanc from this genius winemaker. Starting with the latest vintage and tasted from multiple barrels, the 2015 Hermitage Blanc will be a sensational wine. This rich, unctuous beauty has terrific purity and depth, with the classic concentration, extract and fat that's the hallmark of the estate's Hermitage Blanc. White currants, buttered citrus, toasted bread and hints of flower oil are just some of the nuances here and this beauty will deliver the goods." 12/16

97 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media: "Light brilliant yellow. An intensely perfumed, powerful bouquet evokes fresh pear, peach nectar, anise, iodine and candied ginger, and a smoky mineral quality builds steadily in the glass. Sappy, seamless and incisive on the palate, offering intense orchard and pit fruit and honeysuckle flavors that are lifted and braced by a core of dusty minerality and a bitter jolt of orange pith. Clings with superb tenacity on the mineral-driven finish, leaving sexy floral and ripe citrus fruit notes behind." 5/18

97 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Ripe and mouthfilling, with a warm butter hint weaving around creamed pear, yellow apple and Cavaillon melon flavors. Toasted brioche and macadamia nut notes let the finish sail through, showing a very alluring feel. Hefty, but pulls it off due to a fine, buried bitter almond thread. A stunning wine. Marsanne and Roussanne. Drink now through 2035. 1,250 cases made." 11/18

100 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "Matching the otherworldly 2009, the 2015 Hermitage Blanc is a perfect wine and certainly one of the greatest whites ever made from this hallowed estate. The normal blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne from the l'Ermite, Peleat, and les Rocoules lieux-dits, it exhibits a huge, opulent bouquet of buttered citrus, flower oil, orange marmalade, quince, and honeysuckle that's to die for. This majestic, full-bodied Hermitage Blanc has a huge mid-palate, thrilling purity of fruit, and a finish that won't quit. It's capable of lasting for 4-5 decades, but still has the sexiness of the vintage front and center and will be enjoyable early in its life." 01/18