J.L. Chave Selections 2024 Crozes-Hermitage Rouge Silene, Northern Rhone Valley, France

Jean Louis Chave is the master of Northern Rhone Syrah and while this won't live nearly as long as his monumental Hermitage, it costs less than a tenth of its price and actually drinks better in its youth. While most of Crozes is on the valley floor on clay, Chave’s parcel sits on the rear flank of Hermitage so it has more granite mixed with the clay, which offers much more complexity and structure than the vast majority of Crozes-Hermitages. The nose is already explosive with aromas of violets, cured olives, and sizzling bacon. The vibrant palate is also very floral and and elegant while offering sneaky structure. Beautiful already, this 100% Syrah will gain in complexity over the next seven or eight years.