In the early 1970s Bernard and Nicole Chave bought a small 1-hectare plot in Crozes-Hermitage and became part of the Tain Cooperative winery until they decided create their own private label in 1976.
Two decades later their son, Yann, joined the family business and now keeps a watchful eye over the 20-hectares of vines, including a minute 1.2-hectare of Hermitage. After a poisoning incident from using an insecticide to treat the vines, Yann started practising organic viticulture in 2000, and the estate became certified in 2007.
Decanter's Rhône Valley specialist, Matt Walls, declared that "2019 is a powerful, ripe vintage showcasing a step-up in quality from 2018... The wines enjoy a little more acidity and carry less weight around the middle. Hot vintages can sometimes obscure the signature of each appellation, but that’s not the case in 2019." Furthermore, Matt included Yann Chave in his key producers for 2019, and even awarded his Hermitage 2019 a whopping 96 points!
Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2019
A blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussane. Matured in stainless steel to retain its freshness and primary fruit aromas.
"Impressive aromas of ripe peach and apricot with a touch of nectarine and exotic pineapple. Concentrated, luscious, and creamy texture on the palate that oozes with complexity… gorgeous. Pure honey centre infused with underlying spice on the silky finish. Bravo!"
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Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2019
100% Syrah from 3 specific parcels; La Roche de Glun, Mercurol and Pont de l'Isère.
"Attractive aromas of dark black fruits fused with integrated spice. Luscious, almost velvety structure supported by ripe, fine tannins that fuse with further notes of ripe blackcurrant, cassis, and black cherry and cinnamon spice on the finish."
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Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 'Le Rouvre' 2019
100% Syrah from a selection of the oldest vines (50 years average age) from a splendidly sited parcel in the south of the Crozes-Hermitage.
"Dark and brooding nose of blackcurrant and cassis with a lifted violet edge (reminiscent of the Douro!). Pure and precise on the mid-palate with an abundance of further dark black fruits such as black cherry and kirsch, as well as mocha. There’s plenty of grip and power than the straight Crozes… a true stallion!"
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Hermitage Rouge 2019
100% Syrah from two lieux-dits; Beaumes and Péléat with an average vine age of 45+ years.
"Wow. Multi-layered nose of blackcurrant, cassis, and touches of liqourice spice… incredible power and there is no mistaking that this is classic Northern Rhône. A gladiator of a wine on the palate with superb concentration and depth yet balanced and refined. A Château Pavie of the Rhône!"
"Glass-staining purple colour. Incredibly powerful with searching perfume, leaf tea and glove leather behind the intense black fruits. Very fine and deep, perhaps just a touch too high in alcohol, a little overextracted. Phenomenal concentration and length however. A growling, brooding power, this could only be Hermitage. From vines of nearly 50 years of age grown organically on lieux-dits Beaumes and Péléat, matured in demi-muids with malolactic fermentation in barrel." Drink 2027-2043. 96/100 points. Matt Walls (Decanter)
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Prices quoted are per bottle, by the case (6x75cl) and include Duty & VAT.
Free delivery to UK mainland for orders over £200 retail. Standard delivery charged at £9.95 if order totals less.
