At a glance

Producer

J.L. Chave Sélection

Region

Hermitage, Northern Rhône, France

Grape variety

Syrah

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$80-$120 USD

Tasting profile

Ripe black and red fruits (blackberry, cherry), smoky bacon, violets, minerals, black pepper, hints of new oak. Dense and concentrated palate, still tight and youthful.

Evolution: With aging: tertiary aromas of leather, truffle, tobacco, dried herbs, game; tannins soften, acidity persists.

At peak: Supple, expressive bouquet with layers of spice, earth, and smoke; silky tannins, harmonious palate integrating fruit and savory complexity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to high acidity, providing freshness and aging potential.

Tannins

Firm, grippy but well-integrated tannins typical of Hermitage Syrah.

Alcohol

Moderate to high (typically 13-14.5%).

Aging potential

Excellent; 15-25 years in ideal cellaring conditions.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2052

Optimal window

2027 to 2055

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Youthful, structured, not yet at full aromatic complexity.

2020 is a structurally solid Hermitage vintage. This wine's pedigree and winemaking assure long-term development. Optimal maturity is expected as tannins resolve after 8-10 years, while fruit and tertiary notes meld between 2028 and 2038.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, venison, ribeye steak, duck breast, mushroom dishes, truffled risotto, strong hard cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm, grippy tannins that can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors, especially given its medium body and youthful age.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

J.L. Chave employs lutte raisonée (reasoned struggle) viticulture focusing on minimal intervention, soil health, composting, restricted use of chemicals, hand harvesting, some renewable energy initiatives, limited new oak, lightweight glass bottles.

While J.L. Chave is renowned for sustainable vineyard practices and a commitment to environmental stewardship (including organic principles and biodiversity), they are not certified organic or biodynamic for the Sélection line. Farming is traditional with environmental consideration, but not at the highest standard of formal sustainable, organic, or biodynamic certification. Efforts to minimize chemical inputs and use of lighter bottles help, but exports increase the carbon footprint. Overall, sustainability is above average for the region but not exemplary.