St Joseph 2007 - Jean Louis Chave

St Joseph 2007 - Jean Louis Chave

The Saint-Joseph from Domaine Jean-Louis Chave stands as one of the absolute pinnacles of the appellation, embodying all the nobility and elegance of Northern Rhône Syrah.

A Wine of Legend and Terroir

The Chave family, established in the Rhône since 1481, is world-renowned for its Hermitage wines; however, their commitment to Saint-Joseph is driven by a particularly deep-seated passion. Jean-Louis Chave undertook a monumental effort to reclaim and restore the appellation’s historic terraces—most notably on the Bachasson plateau and in the commune of Mauves—firmly convinced of the exceptional potential offered by these steep, granitic hillsides.

Philosophy and Maturation

The Blend: True to the estate’s tradition, the wine is a blend from various iconic *lieux-dits* (such as Le Clos, Bachasson, and Chantara). Each parcel is vinified separately to showcase the diversity of the granitic soils found in Saint-Joseph.

Vinification: Intervention is kept to a minimum, with fermentation taking place in wooden or stainless-steel vats, followed by a carefully managed aging process in oak barrels—specifically older, seasoned barrels, ensuring the fruit character remains unmasked. The various lots are blended only just before bottling.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Possessing great aromatic purity, the nose opens with notes of violet, vibrant dark fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant), black olive tapenade, ground black pepper, and a subtle hint of smoked bacon and warm stone.

Palate: The entry is silky, with a tannic structure of remarkable finesse. Unlike more rustic Saint-Joseph wines, Chave’s version stands out for its freshness, perfect balance, and a mineral tension derived from the granitic soil. The finish is long, spicy, and saline.