Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Silene Crozes-Hermitage Syrah 2016

Maurizio Abbà

2016 has been a challenging year for Hermitage, as hail in April caused a severe reduction in volume. The quality of the final product, however, benefitted from perfect temperatures in Autumn. Silene is a selection from Jean Louis Chave, who cultivated this land since XV century. The granite soil of Crozes is fully reflected in the wine, showing raspberry notes on a mineral vein. Time will allow to grow up some more interesting tertiary flavors, for now limited to tobacco and a hint of licorice. The taste, however, is already balanced, with soft and ready tannins balancing a strong minerality core. I'd suggest to leave it there for 2-3 years at least, to check whether the potential it showed on the nose can fully develop.