2024 Domaine Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Rouge

Professional Reviews

Staff Reviews

KM

Keith Mabry

Keith Mabry

K&L Buyer

Review Date: 08/2026

Perfumed and elegant. This is consummate Crozes. Great purity of Syrah fruit character showcasing the vibrant raspberry and and spice filled character of the region. Fine tannins and easily accessible in its youth.

Notes

Domaine Yann Chave is a family-run estate located in the heart of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, with holdings also on the esteemed Hermitage hillside. Founded in the early 1970s by Nicole and Bernard Chave, the domaine began with a mix of vineyards and fruit orchards. After taking over in 1996, Yann Chave shifted focus exclusively to viticulture, restructuring the vineyards and eventually transitioning the estate to organic farming - an effort sparked by a personal experience with chemical poisoning. Certified organic since 2007, the estate now spans 20 hectares, and Yann’s thoughtful, detail-driven approach - shaped in part by his background in rugby - balances technical precision with deep respect for the land and future generations. This cuvée blends Syrah from estate parcels in La Roche de Glun, Mercurol, and Pont de l’Isère to capture the essence of the vintage and the character of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation - fruit-forward, vibrant, and elegant. Grapes are destemmed and gently extracted through pump-overs during a 3-4 week maceration at moderate temperatures (20-28°C). The wine is then aged for 10 months in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and purity. The result is a fresh, supple Syrah with notes of blackberry, cherry, black pepper, and a touch of menthol. The tannins are fine and numerous, lending depth without heaviness, and the finish is long, fruit-driven, and graceful.