Chave Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur
Summer is the season of flash sales! The slow shipping period allows us time for a closer look at inventory and today I got inspired to have a Jean Louis Chave sale!
The real inspiration is the Mon Coeur! I’ll admit I have not tasted it for a couple of years, but when the importer called and asked me if I wanted to place an order for 2022, I was in no rush, until I tasted it!! I hadn’t finished the first glass before I was back on the phone, “send me a pallet!”
The nose explodes with blackberry, hints of garrigue and spice. I was expecting a very ripe, in your face wine from a hot vintage like 2022, and while it’s marked by a sunny character there are no port like flavors, or over ripeness. It's flat out delicious!
The backbone of the Mon Coeur is made with Grenache, which is the variety we see predominantly in Chateauneuf du Pape and wines from Southern Rhone. It offers a more red-fruited character and spicy quality than the dark-fruited Syrah which is the variety grown in the Northern Rhone.
With today's offer coming in at $17+, this is a home run!
Sadly, many people won’t get an opportunity to understand Jean Louis’ masterpiece, the Hermitage. It’s a wine that sells for over $300 per bottle. That said, maybe a few of you will get inspired today with a rare sale on this selection.
With a history that dates back to 1481, it’s one of the greatest wines produced today. Jean Louis may be the most hardworking, passionate vigneron you will ever meet. I got a chance to meet him for the first time on a trip to France in the mid 90’s. He had just earned his degree from UC Davis and was beginning to take over the reins of this historic domaine from his father, Gerard. One of the first things he set out to do was to replant some of the domaines holdings in Saint Joseph that had long been neglected.
In addition to the replanting, Jean Louis formed JL Selection, which was basically a negociant business. He used the fruit from these younger plantings as they matured but to also purchase fruit from others in the region. The first vintage, 1995, featured wines from St Joseph but as time passed and the operation grew he began producing a number of wines, including one of my favorites now… the Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur, introduced in the late 2000’s, and something I’ve been selling since.
We usually get about 10 cases, and it sells with no effort. Those of you that buy the Mon Coeur know it offers ridiculous bang for the buck. Additionally, it offers a window into what makes Jean Louis such an outstanding vigneron; his ability to taste and blend - one of the reasons the Hermitage is so special.
Not sure how long this one lasts - Hurry! USE Code: Chave
