2016 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave St. Joseph Clos Florentin
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Tasting notes
Youthful violet color. Pungent black raspberry and cherry liqueur aromas are complemented by suggestions of potpourri, olive and exotic spices. Silky and expansive on the palate, offering spice-tinged black/blue fruit flavors that show wonderful delineation and mineral thrust. Juicy and seamless in texture, finishing with resonating blue fruit, floral character and harmonious, slow-building tannins.
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Josh Raynolds
Josh Raynolds
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Tasted in two components. #1) Le Clos: vibrant, mineral-inflected red and blue fruits, with olive, smoked meat and allspice notes and a touch of tobacco. Hefty, but its focus is maintained by a core of juicy acidity. #2) Les Clos Vieilles Vignes: hugely perfumed, displaying intense blueberry, cherry liqueur and candied violet qualities and exotic spice and smoky mineral flourishes. More weighty than the "regular" Clos but more energetic as well, showing seamless texture and a remarkably long floral-inflected finish. I'm guessing there won't be many Hermitages that will match this wine for sheer elegance as well as depth.
About the producer
The Chaves have been growing grapes in the Northern Rhône since 1481. Jean-Louis Chave is the 16th generation to head up the family domaine, having taken over from his father in 1992.