SAQ Crozes-Hermitage ‘Silène’ 2022, J.L. Chave

Follow this link for SAQ: https://www.saq.com/fr/14999847?q=14999847

Silky Syrah

Since 1481, the Chave family has worked the vines generation after generation in the Northern Rhône. If you are lucky in our state monopoly’s lotteries, you can sometimes get your hands on the domaine’s great vintages.

Jean-Louis, who has managed the family estate since 1993, expanded the offering through his eponymous négociant business, J.L. Chave Sélections. Thanks to this project, Chave wines are easier to access in terms of both volume and price.

Discover this Thursday the Crozes-Hermitage ‘Silène’. Made from 100% Syrah, this medium-bodied wine will transport you with a powerful bouquet of ripe field berries (raspberries and blackberries) supported by accents of pepper and Kalamata olives.

As 2022 was a warm year, one can expect a fairly powerful wine, despite the relative northerly location of the appellation. The vintage was further improved by pre-harvest rains, which provided some respite for the vines and hydrated the grapes.

You will find here the concentration of the 2020 vintage, but with a bit more freshness.

A wine to decant for a good 30 minutes and enjoy slightly chilled. You can have fun laying down a few bottles for 8 to 10 years.

• To accompany it: Make the effort with a duck breast, green peppercorn sauce, all served over a parsnip purée,
• For the anecdote: At the beginning of the 16th century, the Chave peasant family was allegedly ennobled by Lord Farconnet and granted a residence and land, which allowed them to begin their journey,
• To better understand the birth of the appellation: Our next Rhône workshop
• For comparison: Also an excellent generic product from J.L. Chave is this 2022 Côtes du Rhône Mon Cœur. $25 for a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. At the SAQ (10330433)