Description
The Chaves have been growing vines on the famous Hermitage hill for over 500 years. The domaine produces a red St Joseph ‘Offerus’ (made in equal proportions from senior vines in Mauves and St –Jean-de Muzols), an acclaimed Vin de Paille, but their reputation is built on their superb red Hermitage (Syrah with the addtion of 15% white grapes) and white Hermitage (85% Marsanne and 15% Roussanne). The Chaves own 15 hectares of vines on the Hermitage and crucially their Hermitage holding is spread across 9 of the 18 climates on the hill. The grapes are partially de-stemmed and then fermented in a combination of open wooden vats and cement cuves. The wine is matured in a combination of large wooden foudres and small wooden casks (a proportion of which will be new) for 12-18 months. All Chave wines are bottled unfiltered.
Tasting Notes
Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Mineral-tinged aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, candied violet and olive show excellent clarity, and a hint of incense builds with air. Sweet, sharply defined cassis, bitter cherry and boysenberry flavors turn sweeter and smokier on the back half. Displays real energy on the sappy, impressively long finish, which features sneaky tannins and lingering florality. [93 Points, Josh Raynolds – September 2019, vinous.com]
