A domain of very high standards, Yann Chave (and before him, his father Bernard Chave) has lived for years in the shadow of the more famous Chave domaine run by Jean-Louis. Since he took over in 1996, Yann has lifted the reputation of the estate considerably by making fine examples of both red and white Crozes-Hermitage as well as some fantastic red Hermitage. Yann uses some very meticulous vineyard practices based on organic and sustainable viticulture principles.
Today, Yann owns 17 hectares of vines in the Northern Rhone. The vines are dispersed into two appellations. They have 15.5 hectares in Crozes Hermitage and 1.5 hectares of vines in the Hermitage appellation. All of Yann’s wines speak clearly of where they come from, yet contain a pure, sweet fruit which will win many new fans.
Yann's unoaked Crozes, 100% Syrah from organically farmed grapes. A bright colour, purple with a violet hue. Aromas develop with finesse and much complexity; blackberry jam, liquorice sticks, a hint of roasting and spice. Full and generous on the palate. Mid-palate reveals rich aromas of ripe fruit and a hint of smokiness. Tannins are dense and intense, but with great finesse, giving the wine imposing structure and a long finish. A truly superb wine.
Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"This wine is the backbone of the Estate, and is built around the three main identities of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation: La Roche de Glun, Mercurol and Pont de l'Isère. From this spec trum of plots of Syrah, the wine reflects the identity of the vintage, in the true spirit of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation: fruit, brilliance, elegance… what else!
The nose is clean and expressive. It reveals black fruit aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry. This is followed by sweet spicy notes such as black pepper. Elegance, freshness and fruit. A fresh entry on the palate with a lovely silky texture. The aromas of black fruits and spices are followed by a long finish. Delicate, velvety tannins. The finish is marked by a seductive roundness"