Rhône Valley fans owe it to themselves to experience this wine! World famous for their benchmark white and red Hermitages, J. L. Chave Sélection refers to the esteemed Chave domaine’s négociant arm, which works with growers who share the family’s dedication to organic farming and expression of terroir. Sourced primarily from superb sites in the prestigious Côtes-du-Rhône villages of Rasteau, Vinsobres, and Cairanne, Mon Coeur’s blend of Syrah and Grenache casts an opaque black plum hue in the glass, followed by classic Southern Rhône aromas of black cherries, black plums, violets, tar, and herbal garrigue. Broad and intense on the attack, the wine stains the palate with bright black raspberry, plum, and currant fruit. Notes of pepper, herbs, and olives are backed by firm tannins and overtones of black licorice, spicy cinnamon, and white peppercorns. Enjoy now for its youthful vigor with full-bodied Southern French cuisine and lay down a half case or more to allow the wine to mellow and flesh out over the coming decade.
Josh Raynolds, Vinous: 90 points
Wine Spectator, “100 Top Values of 2019”: 90 points