J.L. Chave Selection Crozes-Hermitage Silene 2020

“Opaque ruby-red. Expressive, spice- and mineral-accented cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by suggestions of cured meat, olive and succulent flowers. Seamless and vibrant on the palate, offering taut dark berry, cherry-cola and violet pastille flavors with a spicy touch of white pepper. Lively and appealingly sweet on the juicy, persistent finish, which features well-knit tannins and resonating minerality. Drinking window: 2025-2033. 93 points

These wines, which often contain a healthy percentage of Domaine J.L. Chave domaine fruit, are not Chave Lite, as many retailers are prone to suggest. These tend to be rounder, fruit-forward and more approachable than the domaine wines, which are extremely long-lived and deserving of extended cellaring. They have steadily become more intensely perfumed and flavored in recent years, with the Crozes-Hermitage Silène of particular interest. It’s made from vines in the granitic soils of the northern sector. At least half of the fruit comes from a young vineyard that Chaves owns, planted and farms, so one can understand the potential quality.”

Josh Raynolds, Vinous (12/22)