Domaine Jean-Louis Chave 2018 Cotes du Rhone, Mon Coeur

The Chave family is based in a small village on the northern right bank of the Rhone. There have been Chaves growing vines on the famous Hermitage hill since 1481. Gerard Chave took over from his father in 1970 and rapidly achieved megastar status due to the extraordinary quality of his wines and has since passed on the winemaking responsibilities to his son Jean-Louis. Their unmatched meticulousness continues through five centuries to render venerable expressions of the purest of Rhône terroir.

For this Cotes du Rhone Chave has more or less complete control over the farming, which is organic and the vine age averages from 20-60 years. Fermentation is in stainless steel tanks and the wine ages in a combination of new and old barrels. 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre/Cinsault

Vinous scored this 91 points saying "Deep ruby-red. Smoke-accented cherry, dark berries and licorice on the perfumed nose, which takes on succulent floral and herb nuances with air. Smooth, concentrated and gently sweet, offering mineral- and spice-accented black raspberry, cherry and violet pastille flavors and a spicy jolt of cracked pepper. Finishes supple, sweet and quite long, with harmonious tannins and lingering florality. Drinking window: 2021 - 2027"