91 pts – Wine Advocate
Chave produced the best red Hermitage of this vintage. Yet for Chave 1985 was not a year he cares to remember. Holding back the tears, he sadly states that his beloved mother, as well as his faithful sidekick, his dog, passed away that year. A sentimentalist, Chave is likely to put little of this vintage into the huge reservoir of old vintages that his family has faithfully cellared throughout this century. His 1985 avoided the oversupple style of some of the other reds of this vintage. The wine’s deep ruby color exhibits some lightening at the edge. The intense fragrance of smoked meat, cassis, and Provencal olives is followed by a rich, full-bodied, velvety-textured wine that is just beginning to reach its apogee. Anticipated maturity: now-2012. Last tasted 12/95. RP
