In 2013, the Chave family has bottled a classic and especially cellar-worthy vintage of “L’Hermitage” rouge to contribute to the family’s centuries-long pantheon. This is a vintage for collectors and true-blue Chave lovers in that its architecture and sense of balance are perhaps the finest and most nuanced of the last ten vintages we’ve tasted. Which is not to say that 2013 doesn’t offer the power and depth of fruit that drives sommeliers and critics wild - it’s all here in spades. Still, there is a sense that this year’s release is somehow even more detailed and finely woven than recent vintages. And perhaps most importantly for the cellar, there is an invigorating core of freshness and energy that convinces us this bottle will only continue to improve for the next three decades.  In the glass it has a concentrated, inky purple core moving to a ruby and magenta rim. The nose explodes with an initially concentrated blast of blackberry, black cherry, boysenberry preserve and fresh blueberries before atomizing into layers of exotic freshly cut violets, oil cured olives, black pepper, South Asian dried spices, crushed black stone and cured meat. The wine feels alive on the palate as one senses every iota of this its impressive body, restrained intensity and the layers and layers of complex flavor. Still, we always remind our friends and customers (and ourselves!) that Chave is truly an appreciating asset - this wine will only increase in quality and value, and it should be hidden in the darkest, coldest corner of your cellar for a minimum of 7-8 years before you even consider drinking it. And if we are honest, we believe it will peak around 18 to 22 years. A 1992 of which we enjoyed two bottles a few weeks ago was still on the youthful side of its peak drinking window, and two decades is a typical ballpark “sweet spot” for this estate’s reds. Truly, the entire purpose of the estate is to create a timeless wine which can be handed down across generations as it continuously develops, evolves, and improves. This is not merely a bottle of wine—it’s  an event and a special memory that will never leave you.