Yann Chave : Le Rouvre 2023

A finely calibrated version that offers high-toned elements of violet, plum and black currant alongside an iron-edged, chalky mineral backbone. Warm earth and humus notes fill in, with salty intensity and smoked bacon accents. Singed mesquite smoke wafts through the delicious finish, which shows good density. Drink now through 2032. 660 cases made, 18 cases imported.

Currently this is very reductive, with strong sage and smoke aromas – they do dissipate with air however. It's smooth on the palate, ripe and juicy, with lovely tannic finesse, good acidity and a long, smoky finish. It has power, but the alcohol is well balanced. Freshness, focus, ripeness and finesse. This is very good.

A precise, flavorful, refined and lively Crozes-Hermitage with dark cherries, forest floor, stones, roasted meat and smoke on the nose, following through to a medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. So agile and driven, with a velvety texture. It’s attractive, with a savory, crunchy and transparent character. Plenty of verve and a long finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Dark purple core and hue. Pure and intense nose offering some stony notes, smoked meat, pepper, and inky dark fruit, with black pepper, clove and cinnamon, plus a gentle hint of oak. The palate shows good density and weight, with digestible dark fruit spiced with the notes above, well-integrated oak, some meaty nuances and sweet fruit, yet remaining fresh, with a long and lingering finish.

The 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Le Rouvre comes into focus with black pepper and graphite accents, meticulously accompanied by finely tuned blackberry and dried violets. Medium-bodied, concentrated and gently textured, the 2023 is a straitlaced Le Rouvre, closing with gentle persistence on the detailed finish.