Vinous - Score: 92 (2014 December)

I wish I had more opportunities to drink Hermitage Blanc, as I adore the wines, especially with some bottle age. Chave’s 1998 is distinctly ripe and tropical in style. Peach, apricot pit, savory herbs, honey and mint emerge, but it is the wine’s racy, extroverted personality that is front and center. I imagine the 1998 will drink well for a number of years to come, although I don’t expect to see it improve materially. Still, the 1998 is very pretty, especially in the way its raciness pairs with the bold, lusty flavors in the pastas.