Domaine JL Chave - 'Circa' Saint Joseph Blanc 2021

Domaine JL Chave - 'Circa' Saint Joseph Blanc 2021

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Description
92 points Jeb Dunnuck

Composed of 100% Roussanne, the 2021 Saint Joseph Circa Blanc is terrific. Offering a classic perfume of ripe pears, honeycomb, quince, and sappy flowers, it picks up a beautiful sense of minerality with time in the glass. Medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, rich, and layered, it's one heck of an impressive Northern Rhône white that's going to shine for at least 3-5 years, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it have an interesting evolution over the coming decade.  (5/2023)

K&L Notes

Josh Raynolds reports: "By now it’s no secret that Erin Cannon-Chave and Jean-Louis Chave’s semi-négociant operation is producing a range of consistently excellent wines that clearly show the Chave magic at user-friendly prices." From the importer: "The Chave family is based in a small village on the northern right bank of the Rhone. There have been Chaves growing vines on the famous Hermitage hill since 1481. Gerard Chave took over from his father in 1970 and rapidly achieved megastar status due to the extraordinary quality of his wines and has since passed on the winemaking responsibilities to his son Jean-Louis. The Chave’s methods for all their winemaking are traditional farming, super low yields, full ripeness, and minimal manipulation. Their unmatched meticulousness continues through five centuries to render venerable expressions of the purest of Rhône terroir."

--------THE PRODUCER--------

JL Chave

Without doubt Chave Hermitage is one of the greatest wines of the appellation if not the best. Established in 1481, it is currently under the direction of Jean-Louis Chave, although his father Gerard is still on the scene. Chave family is based in the small village of Mauves not far from Cornas, on the right bank of the Rhone. However, it is across the river, on the hill of Hermitage where the heart and soul of this famous domaine resides. 

 

--------THE GRAPE--------

Rhone White Blend

Just like the Rhone Red Blend you will often find an amalgam of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier in blends. Whilst they are less common than their red counterparts they play an important role in the aromatic white world. Leading winemakers in South Africa, Australia and California have helped to popularise them outside of France.

 

--------THE REGION--------

Northern Rhone Valley

The Northern Rhone Valley is where you will find some of the most well-known names in France's legacy. Syrah is the king and shines in the top sub-regions of Cote-Rotie, Hermitage, and Cornas. Viognier is the white grape of Condrieu otherwise Marsanne or Roussanne are the white sisters to know from the other sub-regions. Plenty of goodness to go around!