Jean-Louis Chave Selection, Sybele Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, Rhône Valley, France, 2022

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
Coming from a region better known for edgy Syrah and deep red wines, this stunning white Rhône blend has richness and tension that is irresistible. Fermented in oversized foudre and aged in neutral barrels. Mineral-driven aromas of pear nectar, tangerine and yellow plum, with a touch of jasmine. Juicy and tightly focused in the mouth, with intense citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Lingering minerality and fine delineation on the graceful finish.

91 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Looking at the white from Crozes, the 2022 Crozes-Hermitage Sybele Blanc is based on 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussanne, brought up in a mix of tank and used barrels. Its light straw hue is followed by classy notes of ripe stone fruits, tart quince, green almonds, and dried herbs. It's rich, medium-bodied, has good mid-palate depth and concentration, integrated acidity, and a great finish. I always love the richness the whites from Crozes can provide, and this more savory, mineral-laced, food-driven beauty should be snatched up by lovers of impeccably made Northern Rhône whites.

Product size: 750ml