Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Selection - Hermitage 'Farconnet' 2019

Wine growers in the northern Rhône since 1481, the Chave family (currently helmed by Gérard and son Jean-Louis) represents 16 generations of unbroken lineage committed to the production of some of the finest Syrah, Marsanne, and Roussanne on the planet. Jean Louis joined his father in 1992 after completing undergraduate studies at University of Connecticut and a degree in oenology at Davis. It was at that time that he completely replanted vineyards on the family’s original estate in Saint-Joseph, which had been abandoned in the early 1900’s when phylloxera hit the region.

Jean-Louis Chave Selections, his négociant line which sources grapes from various areas in the northern Rhône, represents a more accessible way for the consumer to experience the wines of the Chave family. “Mon Coeur” Côtes-du-Rhône is a blend of excellent plots in Vinsobres, Visan, Buisson, and Estargues while “Silène” Crozes-Hermitage is 50% estate Syrah and 50% purchased. As with all things Chave, quality is eminent even at the entry level.

The Chave family's methods for their winemaking include tr-aditional farming, super low yields, full ripeness, and minimal manipulation. Their unmatched meticulousness continues through five centuries to render venerable expressions of the purest of northern Rhône terroir.

Fermented in tonneaux and stainless steel. Aged in barriques for 18-24 months.

"Delicious and soulful, this offers generous ripe cassis, plum and mulled cherry notes, all liberally dusted in black pepper, mocha and olive tapenade and robed in lightly toasted cedar. Harmonious and persistent, with incense and iron shavings carrying the long, captivating finish. Drink now through 2030. 600 cases made, 200 cases imported." - 94 Points, Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Hermitage Farconnet comes from a mix of Péléat, Les Doignières, and Les Greffieux, and it was raised in used barrels. It has a classic Northern Rhône bouquet of ripe red and blackberry fruit as well as saddle leather, forest floor, ground pepper, and spring flowers. Needing a short decant, it's medium to full-bodied, has a supple, elegant mouthfeel, those classic Hermitage ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It's already drinking nicely yet has a solid 10-12 years of longevity ahead of it." - 92 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Producer: Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Selection

Country: France

Region: Rhône Valley

Varietal: Syrah

Appellation: Hermitage 

Vintage: 2019

Size: 750ml