JL Chave Selection Offerus Saint-Joseph 2008 - Chave is one of the top producers in the Northern Rhone Valley, world famous from their exemplary Hermitage (see my previous Chave encounter here).
The Selecion label is the Chave negociant arm which that allows them to buy fruit from outside vineyards to make more wine at a more affordable price. As the name suggests, the parcels are carefully selected to make sure they don't damage their fine reputation.
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| Offerus at casual rest, ready for shipping. |
I'll admit this wine is a baby which is why it made it to the TWD April Cellar Dozen, but it is just so well balanced and complex it's hard to leave alone. This St Joseph is savoury, mineral, spicy and structured Syrah. It is quite tight and backwards when first opened but with air shows beautiful cherry and plum fruit, hints of Rose petals, pepper, toasty/bacony oak. The tannins are a bit gritty at first, but the fruit develops over the top to provide excellent balance. As discovered last night, this wine is great with a rib-eye and even gnocchi.
$59ea - cheaper by the dozen.
email orders to philip@thewinedepository.com.au
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