Jean-Louis Chave Cotes du Rhone ‘Mon Coeur’ 2007
‘Mon Coeur’ is approximately equal portions of Syrah and Grenache, the former sourced from cooler sites in Vinsobres and the latter from Buisson in the Vaucluse. Though a southern Rhone wine, the approach is that of the north, the more refined and aromatic characters preferred. Fermented to 14.0% alc, the wine was aged in 225 and 600 litre casks as well as vats for around 12 months. As we all know, 2007 was a ‘vintage of a lifetime’ in the southern Rhone, and this is what makes this wine exceptionally good. Purple-black red in colour, the bouquet is classic Chave Syrah. Intense black berry fruits with dried herb and savoury complexities, no doubt from the Grenache. The palate is one of substance, with fulsome, but reasonably rounded tannins. The flavour is sumptuous dark fruits, pepper, spices and a touch of animal. This can be drunk now with pleasure, accompanied by red game meat, but expect it to cellar 6-8 years too.

Jean-Louis Chave Crozes-Hermitage ‘Silène’ 2007
Relatively new to the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, it can be reasonably expected that Chave’s foray here will be as successful as at home in Hermitage and St Joseph. While recently acquiring land here, the ‘Silène’ label has been created to extend the Chave experience with Crozes-Hermitage wine. Generally perceived to be the poor cousin to Hermitage, the wines seldom rise to the heights of Hermitage. It’s a matter of site, soil and favourable aspect. Good fruit selection and experienced winemaking can ensure the best, as this ‘Silène’ shows. Made in the Chave’s cellars in Mauves. Impenetrable black hued purple-red, this is archetype, sleek Syrah from this appellation with its peppery nose complexed by a touch of sulphide reduction and elegant and slender palate with tight and focussed black fruits and black pepper enhanced by fresh herbal nuances and acidity. The fine-grained palate has silky tannins backing the stylish fruit enabling immediate accessibility, but as in true Chave fashion, this will keep 8-10 years easily.

Jean-Louis Chave St Joseph ‘Offerus’ 2006
The Chave family are extremely well-connected in the St Joseph appellation and as a consequence, has little trouble accessing high quality fruit for the negociant ‘Offerus’ wine. The fruit sources generally come from nine suppliers who conduct the initial vinification in their own cellars. 100% Syrah, the wine is then matured in 3-6 year old casks for 12-14 months, and there is an annual production of just over 4,000 cases. While a St Joseph label is often not taken seriously, due to the wide variation in quality and style, wines from the granite soil of Mauves and Tournon, which the ‘Offerus’ is based on, can be extremely serious and sophisticated in the Hermitage style. First made in 1995, ‘Offerus’ offers real value and is worth twice the price. This 2006 is from an excellent vintage and shows its quality in the soft and full ripeness of the fruit and the rich, broad, open mouthfeel. While not as tightly aromatic and intense as the 2007 wines from Chave, the softer red fruits are more juicy and spicy, and quite delightful, offering an immediacy. There is an ethereal aspect to the fruit. But make no mistake, this still has substance and structure. The grip in the mouth comes through increasingly and the result is a wine that is complete in all of its componentry. This will be great drinking over the next 7-10 years.