ABOUT: The Chave name has been synonymous with outstanding Syrah from the northern Rhone since Bernard Chave started making thrilling wines in Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage in the 1970’s. While Bernard’s son Yann took over the family estate in the early 2000’s, his daughter Natasha Chave struck out on her own and established Domaine Aleofane in 2004. She purchased some vines in Saint-Joseph and a plot of older vines in Crozes-Hermitage, bringing her entire holding up to between 6-7 hectares. She employs organic practices and biodynamic preparations to the vineyard work. Non-interventionist methods are the rule of thumb in the winery. Sulphur use is kept to absolute minimum, native yeasts are used for fermentation, and the wines are neither fined nor filtered before bottling. Her wines are a wonderful addition to the cannon of greats from the Northern Rhone. We’re happy to have a few bottles to sell. TASTE: The Domaine Aleofane Saint-Joseph 2019 is made from a small plot of organically farmed Syrah stuck in granite. This is what Josh Raynolds at Vinous had to say about the last few vintages.
2018 vintage - "Youthful purple. Vibrant blue fruit, violet, exotic spice and mineral aromas are complicated by suggestions of olive and woodsmoke. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry, boysenberry and floral pastille flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Lively and focused on the long, penetrating finish, which is given shape by smooth, fine-grained tannins. 92 points."
2017 vintage - "Opaque ruby. Ripe blackberry, cherry, candied violet and a hint of olive on the deeply perfumed nose. Palate-coating black and blue fruit flavors spread out slowly with air and pick up a suggestion of black pepper. In a round, generous style, finishing smooth, sweet and broad, with discreet tannins adding subtle grip to lingering dark fruit preserve and spice notes. 91 points." PAIR:baba ganoush with toasted pitas, black pepper tofu with bok choy, grilled mozzarella and pecorino cheese sandwich with tomato soup, and nachos with spicy black bean chili.
