Farconnet Hermitage

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave is a powerhouse wine producer based in the northern Rhone region. The Chave holding counts some 14.5 hectares (36 acres) of land in Hermitage, making it one of the largest land owners in the appellation. Many of the vines are between 30 and 60 years old. The Chave family have been growing grapes since 1481, and today the domaine is run by Gerard Chave and his son, Jean-Louis. The Chave family's methods for their winemaking include 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 northern Rhône terroir.

Brilliant ruby. Dark berries, cherry pit, liquorice and smoky minerals on the seductively perfumed nose. Firm, sharply focused bitter cherry and cassis flavors are underscored by a peppery nuance and put on weight with air.  Floral pastille note comes up with air and carries through a long, youthfully tannic finish. The marriage of power and finesse here is pretty suave.