Domaine JL Chave - Saint-Joseph 2018

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 93-95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Outer quote mark Still in component parts, the 2018 Saint Joseph should be another winner. The least concentrated, yet still exceptional Chalaix (92 - 94) displayed enticing notes of violets, blueberries and licorice; the Dardouille (93 - 95) was lusher and suppler, loaded with black cherries; and the Bachasson (94 - 96) was the most complex, mixing herbs and licorice with plummy fruit. (JC) Inner quote mark (12/2019)

93-94 points Vinous

Outer quote mark Tasted in components. #1, from Chaillets: shows expansive, ripe black and blue fruit, incense and potpourri qualities; olive paste and exotic spice notes build in the glass. Tightens up with air and takes on a zesty mineral nuance. #2, Dardouille: black currant, boysenberry, fruitcake and violet pastille aromas and flavors show sharp delineation and back-end thrust. Shuts down slowly and dusty tannins build. #3, from Baschesson: vibrant black and fruit scents show sharp definition and take on a suave floral note with air. Sweet and energetic, showing very good depth and strong, floral-driven persistence. This should be a less formidable wine than its infant 2019 sibling, but it sure won't lack for power or depth. (JR) Inner quote mark (5/2020)

92-94 points Jeb Dunnuck

Outer quote mark Looking at the 2018 from barrel, I was able to taste two barrel samples of the 2018 Saint Joseph. It’s largely in the same style as the 2017 and just textbook Saint Joseph with its darker, mineral-laced fruits and smoked meat and pepper aromas and flavors. It’s beautifully done, medium to full-bodied, and will drink nicely in its youth yet also age. Inner quote mark (12/2019)

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

DOMAINE JEAN-LOUIS CHAVE

Widely recognised as one of the finest producers of Hermitage, the Chave family have been tending their vines within the appellation since 1481. All the time in the world, then, to get it right, and they have done just that, with an enviable reputation for making good wines in difficult years and outstanding wines in the better ones.

While based in a small village not far from Cornas, the heart of their operation lies across the river, where they own vines in nine of the eighteen vineyards that cover the Hermitage hill. The Chaves believe the rich variety of terroir to be found there is critical when it comes to the finesse, structure and complexity they require for their blends.

After centuries of nurture, this family have an intimate understanding of their surroundings. Those plots that do not meet their elevated standards simply aren’t used. One such plot is in Les Vercandières, a thin strip at the base of the highly significant Les Bessards vineyard, which they use as a vegetable patch. Touché!