Antonio Galloni

"Vibrant and sharply focused, showing intense pear, tangerine and floral character with a potent mineral overtone. Taut and linear but puts on weight with air. Sweeter on the back end, which leaves suave peach and pear nectar notes behind. #2) Peleat: fresh melon and peach qualities underscored by spicy ginger and smoky mineral notes. Juicy and focused, creating a superb interplay of weight and nerviness. #3) L'Ermite: highly energetic and mineral-driven, showing deeply concentrated citrus and pit fruit qualities and a sexy floral accent. Becomes spicier on the back half and shows outstanding delineation and floral lift. At this stage I'd call this wine the equal of the unreal 2015 and I wouldn't be surprised if I preferred the final wine, assuming it maintains its uncanny blend of depth and minerally cut."

Robert Parker

"Bottled in August, Chave's 2016 Hermitage Blanc is a tremendous wine. It's a bit closed on the nose (bottle shock?), but it wows on the palate, rocking it with seismic waves of super ripe pineapple and melon fruit and more than a small dose of what I can only describe as magma-like essence of stone. It's full-bodied and mouthfilling in its richness, yet it never seems heavy or overdone. Remember that yields were constrained by hail, so don't delay in procuring whatever your budget will allow."

Jancis Robinson

"Buttery, fleshy, rich and honeyed. Expressive and substantial. Long, layered and warm in alcohol. Absolutely superb balance and so lengthy."

Decanter

"A tasting of component lieu-dits of L’Ermite, Les Roucoules and Péléat, revealing a potentially superb wine despite the tiny yields this year. The Ermite component is a little fatter than in most years, with good acidity and minerality. Roucoules too has a fleshy character this year, and Péléat supplies ample perfumed freshness. Around 20% new oak. Drinking Window 2020 - 2034"