2013 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage #164992417
Reviews 96-97 points Vinous "Inky ruby. Vibrant black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by suggestions of candied flowers, incense and licorice, and a bright mineral nuance adds lift. Sweet, fleshy and focused, offering palate-staining cherry compote, black raspberry and violet pastille flavors accented by smoky Indian spices and a hint of cracked pepper. Shows impressive depth but comes off surprisingly lithe, finishing with superb focus and length and fine-grained tannins that sneak in slowly. (JR)"
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About Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
Rooted in the esteemed heritage of Hermitage, Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is helmed by an indomitable figure, Jean-Louis Chave. A significant landowner in the region, Jean-Louis stewards 15 hectares of Syrah, Marsanne, and Roussanne vines organically, nestling on Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and St. Joseph's coveted granite and clay/limestone soils.
Having assumed command of the family's estate in the 1990s, Jean-Louis has adopted traditional methods in the cellar to respect the estate's legacy. By meticulously controlling the process, from cooling and de-stemming about 80% of the harvest to aging wines for up to 18 months in oak barrels apt for each vintage, Jean-Louis delivers expressive wines, both whites and reds, that offer profound minerality and potential for aging.
The essence of Chave's Hermitage lies in their unparalleled blending skills. Each season marks a fresh start, weaving a distinct narrative of balance through Hermitage Rouge's constant backbone, Syrah from Bessards Vineyard, and old vines Marsanne from Péléat Vineyard, forming the foundation for the Blanc. An element of Roussanne is also introduced to the final blend, amplifying the wines' complexity.
Apart from their benchmark Hermitage wines, Chave also produces an exquisite St. Joseph rouge. The family also offers the more accessible Jean-Louis Chave Selections line, which includes the "Mon Coeur" Côtes-du-Rhône and "Silène" Crozes-Hermitage, maintaining their unparalleled standard even at the entry level.
Jean-Louis’s meticulous approach in his vineyards extends to his project of rejuvenating abandoned hillside vineyards in St. Joseph, which now significantly contribute to the Jean-Louis Chave Selection label. This dedication and perseverance cement Domaine Jean-Louis Chave as a beacon of the purest expression of Northern Rhône terroir.