The Textured and Earthy 2009 J.L. Chave, Mon Coeur, Cotes du Rhone
The J.L Chave Selections are negocient wines produced at a separate facility from the traditional Hermitage wines. This wine is imported by Erin Cannon Imports and available at MacArthurs for $18. If you enjoy traditional, earthy, Southern Rhone wines then grab several bottles of this wine to age in your cellar. It was initially too earthy and gamey for Jenn but once it opened up she rather enjoyed it. It is similar in style to the Domaine La Garrigue, Cuvee Romaine and Vacqueyras. We saved some to try tonight so I will report back tomorrow. This is fun stuff!
2009 J.L. Chave, Mon Coeur, Cotes du Rhone
This is a Grenache and Syrah blend. This starts off earthy, gritty, and pleasingly robust. Initially there is some spritz that fades off. Gobs of textured red fruit, mouth-coating gravelly tannins, and an earthy aftertaste. With two hours of air ripe, lifted blue fruits develop which are pleasing to chew. This should age well for 5-10 years but may be drunk now with 3 hours of air. *** Now-2022.
Did you fully decant?
No, I did not. Usually when I first try a wine I try it from the bottle over several hours or two nights if there are leftovers.
Thanks for the reply, Aaron. You have the most delightful, enjoyable, and pleasurable blog! I hope to share a glass or two with you in the future!
Thank you very much for the kind comments and for following the blog. Yes, perhaps in the future we can share some wine together. Best, Aaron.
I too love this wine, if I may say so humbly. I drink it on a regular basis.(I tell my husband, Jean-Louis, it is for quality control, but he doesn’t believe me!) You’re correct, it loves a little air to let it expand. And it even loves an ever so slight chill in the summer(in our house, the timing would be about from the moment the lamb chops go on the grill until they go to the table). But now the snow is falling in the Alps and I’m reaching for a glass as I prepare red wine braised bacon. So it is drinkable year round! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it. Thanks for supporting our wines.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and describing how you drink it year round. The weather has just turned cool and crisp in the Washington, DC area so it is a natural time to drink this wine. Even though it will age, I really love the youthful character. I am happy to read that you chill it a bit during the summer. My wife and I do so ourselves, we find it makes it refreshing and satisfying during the warmth and humidity. I wish you the best, Aaron.