WTN: J.L. Chaves 1989 Hermitage

[docsconz]

This wine is drinking beautifully right now, although I don't see any need to rush it. It is sexy and subtle with all sorts of complexity, that my meager imagination can't adequately describe. I decanted it for about an hour or so before starting in on it. The color was still inky purple. To me the nose was full of violet and lavender. The flavor note showed nice fruit, soft tannins, good acidity and a lot of good earthiness to it with a nice, long finish.

It went beautifully with the strip steak (I did pan-roast it), mashed potatoes, sauteed spinach (with garlic, NR bacon and pignoli) and sauteed oyster mushrooms as well as a cheese course with roblechon and epoisses that followed.

I was gratified when my son told me it was his best birthday dinner ever.

Of course, the setting on a cozy snowy evening with a warm fire in the fireplace didn't hurt either.

[LOS]

I had the 91 Chave last night. It too was quite lovely, though it is in more need of drinking up than your 89 was. I've had this wine often over the last few years and it is time to drink up, as this will soon begin to decline -- and that would be a horrible waste. Caveat: my passive cellar hits 67 in the summer; better cellared bottles may have more time to go. I suspect that even better cellared bottles will be drinking well now, though.