Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Sélection - St. Joseph Offerus 2023

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is a powerhouse producer located in the northern Rhône, making wine under the Hermitage and Saint-Joseph appellations. Chave's red and white Hermitage wines – based on Syrah and Marsanne and Roussanne respectively – are some of the most important in the Rhône Valley, commanding high prices and high demand from collectors and aficionados.

The estate has 14.5 hectares (36 acres) of land in Hermitage, making it one of the largest land owners in the appellation. The vineyards were planted when the Chave family arrived in Hermitage in the late 19th Century after phylloxera had devastated much of France. The vineyards were terraced and today cover eight different plots on the hill, providing a range of mesoclimates and terroirs for the Chave wines. Many of the vines are between 30 and 60 years old.

The organic vineyards used for Offerus are located in the communities of Mauves, Tournon, and St. Jean de Muzols and are owned by Jean-Louis. These eastern-facing vineyard sites express tightly wound tannins, spice, and power. They add structure and depth that is the hallmark of Offerus. About 50% destemmed. Fermentation in wood tonneaux and stainless steel tanks. Aged in barriques and foudres for 18 months.

"Boysenberry and juicy plum notes reveal hints of earth, violet and loamy earth in this focused, elegant red, while smoked meat, mocha and graphite move in on the medium-bodied frame. Tangy acidity and fine tannins firm up the finish. Drink now through 2030. 3,300 cases made, 200 cases imported." - 92 Points, Wine Spectator

"A completely different beast than the 2021, the 2022 Saint Joseph Offerus comes from a sunny, hot vintage and brings another level of fruit and texture. Black raspberries, violets, ground pepper, and scorched earth define the aromatics, and this beauty is medium-bodied, with a ripe, textured mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. This juicy, fruit-loaded, yet still classic, incredibly satisfying Saint-Joseph will drink brilliantly over the coming decade. As with the 2021, it needs a fair bit of air to show at its best, although don't make the mistake of thinking every Northern Rhône Syrah needs 20+ years in the cellar." - 91 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Producer: Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Sélection

Country: France

Region: Rhône Valley

Varietal: Syrah

Appellation: St. Joseph

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml