2012 Yann Chave, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone Red, France.
I’ve always loved the Yann Chave Crozes, it was one of my first crushes in the northern Rhone, and the wine has evolved along with my tastes perfectly over the years, and it was fantastic to taste the latest release from Yann Chave. The 2012 Crozes-Hermitage is forward and grappy at first, but opens to reveal added depth and complexity, this is very stylish Syrah and while it drinks great right now even, it should be a solid performer over the next 10 years. The nose is pure and layered with violets, black fruit, minty herbs and a hint of bacon, char and pepper leading to a full and vibrant palate of plum, boysenberry, blueberry and currant fruits along with fresh meat, melted black licorice, lavender oil and kirsch plus subtle camphor, truffle, slate/stones and cedar notes. This is very pleasing Syrah and an exciting young wine, I highly recommend searching this one out, it is always a tough find retail wise, but worth it as the price is super for what you get in the glass and in the bottle, again this is a sublime and brilliant effort from Yann Chave, drink from 2014 to 2024.
($28 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
