2008 HERMITAGE (ROUGE), JL Chave. Northern Rhône

Bin: 748

Alcohol Percentage: 14%

Area: The Hill of Hermitage in the northern Rhône produces what has long been called the 'king of wines' for its muscular, long-lived style. La Chapelle, from Jaboulet, may be the most famous wine, but the smaller family-run Chave have long been accepted as the top producer. They have 14 parcels in 9 different lieux-dits (vineyards), which he blends at the last possible moment.

Grape Variety: 100% Syrah, aged in barrel for 18 years, with just 10-20% new oak.

Cellar Potential: 2015-2030, probably at its best from 2020.

Old Bridge Rating: This seems at first surprisingly lacking in viscocity and obvious richness. The intensity emerges given 10 minutes in the glass. A wine of incredible subtlety and elegance.

Press Reviews: 94 points, The Wine Spectator - "This is suave, with a smoldering tobacco note running from start to finish, while truffle, cocoa, braised fig and warm black currant confiture notes fill in the remaining space. Dense, but very silky along the edges, with remarkable harmony for the vintage. Drink now through 2022".