2010 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Selection Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur

A fantastic Côtes du Rhône that’s a blend of Grenache and Syrah from vineyards located in Visan, Vinsobres, and Estézargues (all southern Rhône communes), the 2010 J.L. Chave Sélection Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur delivers a classic array of bright black cherry, black currant, violets, garrigue, and licorice on the nose. Beautifully intense and rich aromatically, it doesn’t lose a beat on the palate and is medium to full-bodied and loaded with fruit, showcasing notable purity, a voluptuous texture, and big, mouth coating tannin that emerges on the finish. It needs an hour of air to shine currently, and will be even better in a year or two. I would consume bottles over the coming 5-8 years, yet a decade of prime drinking isn’t out of the question here.

(made from fruit grown in Vinsobres, Cairanne and Rasteau): Deep ruby. Pungent, spice-accented aromas of black and blue fruits, olive and cola, with a sexy floral quality gaining strength with air. At once deep and lively, with powerful blueberry and bitter cherry flavors given spine and lift by smoky minerality. Closes with excellent clarity and length, leaving notes of violet and berry preserves behind. This wine always punches well above its weight; Jean-Louis Chave told me he buys fruit "only from great appellations."

The star of this line-up in terms of value is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone Mon Coeur, a blend of Syrah and Grenache primarily from the southern Rhone (i.e., Vinsobres, Rasteau and Cairanne). This dense ruby/purple-colored, rich 2010 reveals kirsch and black currant fruit intermixed with notions of spice box, pepper and meat. Luscious and round, it is ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years. (Not yet released) Adding to their acreage in St.-Joseph, the Chaves purchased the famous Clos Florentin Vineyard a few years ago. I suspect they will make a single vineyard wine from this site in the future. Importer: Langdon-Shiverick, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 483-5900