The Chave family have been making wine in the Northern Rhone Valley since 1481. First in Saint Joseph, and then adding parcels of Hermitage - the appellation with which they are nearly synonymous. Jean-Louis Chave steers the domain, having taken over from his father the Gerard (one of just a few Chave men not named Jean-Louis in a very long line). Jean-Louis is fanatical about the farming in the vineyards, the preservation of the reputation of Hermitage and Saint Joseph, and the telling of their histories. Jean-Louis knows each parcel of the vineyards intimately and uses the grapes from each like instruments in an orchestra to bring about pure wine magic. 

Vinous:

"After 30 years, the 1996 L'Hermitage Blanc stood the test of time, showing no trace of mushroom aromas instead displaying delicate dried honeysuckle and chamomile, wet stone, and dried grass. Lean and elegant, the 1996evens out with gentle persistence."