2022 J.L. Chave Selection, Saint-Joseph "Offerus"

There are precious few names in the Northern Rhône that have the same prestige, history, and current esteem as that of Jean-Louis Chave. His domaine Hermitage and Saint-Joseph bottlings are some of the most collectable wines from this region; they are the bluest of blue chips. However, the secret value that lies in today’s “Offerus” is not well understood or appreciated. The JL Chave Selection project began in the mid 1990s with purchased fruit, but today the Saint-Joseph is over 60% estate fruit, planted on ancient terraces that have been in the Chave family for generations. This is now clearly top tier Syrah, and yet the price is comparable, even less than many of the more average offerings from this appellation. I can’t overstate how much pure, unadulterated, Northern Rhône terroir magnificence you get in this bottle for well under $50. It’s astounding. We have the last tranche of cases from the excellent 2022 vintage, but they won’t last long! Jean-Louis Chave is the 16th consecuti