Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 92
Just a wonderfully fun, joyous expression of the appellation, Chave’s 2017 Saint Joseph was set to be bottled the day after my visit. It blends lots from Chalaix, Dardouille, Les Oliviers, Bachasson, and Le Clos Florentin into a medium to full-bodied wine loaded with cherries and delicate herbal nuances. Silky and crisp on the finish, it can be enjoyed now and anytime over the next 5-6 years.
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2025
Vinous 93+
#1) Chaillets: Deeply perfumed black/blue fruit aromas and flavors, along with hints of dark chocolate, smoked meat, allspice and licorice. This component is quite powerful and distinctly rich, by itself. #2) Dardouille: Just as rich as the Chaillets, showing ripe blueberry, cassis, cherry flavors, strong spice and mineral topnotes. A floral quality emerges and steadily builds with air. #3) Baschasson: An utterly different expression, here showcasing intense red/blue fruit, exotic spices and potpourri, along with a potent mineral quality that adds lift and back-end cut. The tannins in all three components show an appealing smoothness that allows the fruit to take center stage and suggesting that the final wine will be approachable in the near rather than long term.
