JL Chave Hermitage Rouge Farconnet 2021

Introduction

JL Chave Sélection Hermitage Rouge 'Farconnet' 2020 is an elegant red wine from France, hailing from the prestigious Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhône Valley. The Chave family are legendary vignerons who have been tending vines in the region since 1481, spanning 16 generations. While the family's domaine wines are among the world's most sought-after, the 'JL Chave Sélection' label was created by Jean-Louis Chave to offer an accessible but refined expression of the region's diverse terroirs through both estate-grown and long-term contract fruit. The name 'Farconnet' honours the nobleman who sold the Chave family their first parcel in the Bessards vineyard during the 19th century.

Wine Description

The 2020 'Farconnet' presents a saturated violet to inky ruby colour. The aromatic profile is classic and expressive, featuring cracked pepper, lavender, and smoky bacon interwoven with vibrant scents of blackberry, boysenberry, and candied violet. On the palate, the wine is juicy and energetic, offering a harmonious blend of dark fruit, liquorice, and olive paste underpinned by a deep core of minerality. It is crafted from 100% Syrah sourced from three distinct parcels on the Hermitage hill: Diognières for spice, Péleat for finesse, and Greffieux for structure. The wine is aged in oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, resulting in fine-grained tannins and a penetrating, persistent finish. This balanced and focused frame is accessible now but possesses the potential to age gracefully through 2034.

Accolades

• Vinous – 95 points

• Wine Spectator – 94 points