Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Selection Hermitage 'Farconnet' Syrah, Rhone, France

The 2019 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Sélection Hermitage “Farconnet” stands as a reflection of centuries of Rhône mastery, a wine that channels both the power of the Hermitage hill and the finesse that defines the Chave legacy. Crafted by Jean-Louis Chave from select plots across the legendary appellation, this cuvée captures the essence of Syrah from its most noble terroir: depth, minerality, and grace that unfold with time and air.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Jean-Louis Chave
• Variety: 100% Syrah
• Vineyard Sources: Péléat, Les Doignières, and Les Greffieux
• Soil: Granite and alluvial deposits
• Aging: 18 months in used oak barrels
• Closure: Cork
• Farming: Sustainable, with traditional low-intervention practices
• Alcohol: 15%

Sensory Description:

The 2019 “Farconnet” reveals a classic Hermitage profile from the first pour: a bouquet of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and cassis interwoven with notes of violet, white pepper, saddle leather, and forest floor. Subtle nuances of olive tapenade, smoked herbs, and truffle rise with air, revealing layers of complexity. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, seamlessly blending richness with restraint. Fine-grained tannins frame flavors of dark fruit, cracked pepper, and savory spice, while a stony freshness carries through the long, refined finish. Decanting before service unveils its full aromatic and textural potential.

Awards & Accolades:

• 92 Points – Jeb Dunnuck: “Classic Northern Rhône bouquet… supple, elegant mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Drinking beautifully now, yet will age gracefully for 10–12 years.”

Winemaker's Background:

The Chave family’s winemaking heritage dates back to 1481, making Domaine Jean-Louis Chave one of the oldest and most revered estates in France. Today, under Jean-Louis and Gérard Chave, the estate continues its pursuit of perfection on the hill of Hermitage, blending parcels from granite, limestone, and loess soils to craft wines of timeless beauty. The J.L. Chave Sélection label offers a window into this mastery, showcasing négociant wines made with the same meticulous care and intuition that have defined the family’s domaine for centuries. “Farconnet,” named for a historic Hermitage lieu-dit, is a blend that emphasizes elegance, balance, and terroir expression over sheer power, a hallmark of the Chave style.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly below room temperature at 60–64°F (16–18°C). Ideal pairings include roast pigeon with truffle jus, guinea fowl with thyme, veal tenderloin, or a wild mushroom tart. For a more rustic experience, enjoy alongside duck confit or braised short ribs. Decant at least one hour before serving to allow the wine’s structure and aromatic depth to fully emerge.

The 2019 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Sélection Hermitage “Farconnet” is both a tribute to tradition and a testament to enduring craft, a wine that embodies Hermitage’s nobility with elegance, depth, and soulful precision.