Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint Joseph Rouge 2014

Chave is one of the most historic names in the Rhône Valley, their labels proudly proclaiming ‘Vignerons de Père et Fils depuis 1481’. While their Hermitage is one of the most detailed, sophisticated Syrahs in the world, canny Rhône fans also make a bee-line for this St Joseph. It’s another masterclass in Syrah –and a little more affordable. Although most wine lovers associate Chave with Hermitage, the family’s roots are in St Josesph where they can trace their history right back to the 15th century Jean-Louis has been a driving force in St Joseph, buying choice vineyard sites and rebuilding historic terraces there since the 1990s 2014 is an early-drinking northern Rhône vintage and this classic Syrah is now really coming into its own . The Wine Advocate’s Jeb Dunnock calls this a wine to “buy by the case … absolutely loaded with character … Ripe, polished and sexy, with medium-bodied richness, it has perfumed notes of dark fruits, graphite, crushed flowers and spice in an ethereally textured, seamless package.”