Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, Saint-Joseph Rouge, Northern Rhône, France 2019

Wine growers in the northern Rhône since 1481, the Chave family (currently helmed by Gérard and son Jean-Louis) represents 16 generations of unbroken lineage committed to the production of some of the finest Syrah, Marsanne, and Roussanne on the planet.

The Chave family's methods for their winemaking include traditional farming, super low yields, full ripeness, and minimal manipulation. Their unmatched meticulousness continues through five centuries to render venerable expressions of the purest of northern Rhône terroir.

This Saint-Joseph from Chave us brilliant, and the estate 2019 Saint Joseph offers classic blackberry fruits as well as peppery, violet, and smoky bacon fat. It has a ripe, concentrated style yet brings plenty of tannins and has a firm, age-worthy feel.