Jean-Louis Chave "Sybele" Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, Rhône Valley, France, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Going back to 1481, when the first Jean-Louis Chave was gifted a vineyard in St Joseph by the nobleman Farconnet, 25 generations have farmed some of the best parcels in the Northern Rhône. Though now known as perhaps the best producer of Hermitage (and certainly among the best blenders in the world), the family only expanded to this famous hill during the mid-1800s wave of phylloxera that decimated Europe's vineyards. 

In the 1970s, when Gerard Chave took over from his father, the domaine rapidly achieved megastar status due to the extraordinary quality of his wines. Gerard's son Jean-Louis (25th of his name) now oversees the estate and has shown an ever expanding dedication to improving the already stunning quality of these rare wines. Jean-Louis Chave regularly dedicates the domaine to intense and exacting projects, the benefits of which will be seen by future generations. Indeed, the estate employs three full time stonemasons just to repair the traditional stone walls dotting the vineyards. 

Since the 1990s, Jean-Louis Chave has offered a second label known as 'J.L. Chave Sélection' that provides a glimpse of the reason for the estate's fame at a fraction of the price. Many of these wines are from declassified estate wine and long term farming contracts, and are vinified in the domaine's primary cellar in Mauves. 

Natural and Organic. 

Winemaker
Jean-Louis Chave

Origin
Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône Valley, France

Grapes/Blend
60% Marsanne, 40% Roussanne

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The Crozes Hermitage Blanc Sybèle 2023 by J.L. Chave showcases the brilliance of white Rhône wines with a harmonious blend of Marsanne and Roussanne. Crafted by the legendary J.L. Chave family, renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and mastery of Northern Rhône terroirs, this wine delivers elegance, texture, and vibrant aromatics. The "Sybèle" cuvée reflects the unique character of Crozes-Hermitage, marrying ripe orchard fruit, floral notes, and a touch of minerality for a truly refined experience. 

Pairs with roast chicken with tarragon, grilled white fish with a beurre blanc sauce, or soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

91 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Stone fruits, tart peach, blanched almonds, and minerality all emerge from the 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Sybèle Blanc. Medium-bodied and juicy on the palate, with beautiful balance, integrated acidity, and a clean, fresh finish, it's drinking nicely today yet should easily have 2-4 years of longevity. It's impeccably made, and I'd happily drink a bottle. Drink 2025-2029. 

Product size: 750ml