2024 Jean-Louis Chave Selection Crozes Hermitage Silene Organic, Northern Rhone

Jean Louis Chave belongs to one of the great dynasties of the Rhône, with the family’s winemaking history stretching back to 1481. Based in Mauves, the Chaves are synonymous with Hermitage, but Jean Louis created the Sélection range to work with carefully chosen fruit beyond the family’s own domaine holdings. Silène is his Crozes Hermitage and gives us a wonderfully accessible glimpse of the Chave approach without needing to raid the Hermitage budget.

Made from Syrah, Silène draws from organically farmed vineyards across Crozes Hermitage, where granite influenced slopes and the flatter alluvial terraces create a fresher, more immediately approachable expression than neighbouring Hermitage. The 2024 is very Northern Rhône in spirit, favouring perfume, pepper and savoury detail over sheer ripeness. There is plenty of fruit, but Syrah’s darker, wilder side is what makes it interesting.

Deep ruby purple with blackberry, black cherry and blueberry followed by violet and cracked black pepper. Black olive, liquorice and smoked meat add savoury depth, with thyme and a cool stony note underneath. The palate is medium bodied and energetic, with dark fruit framed by fresh acidity and fine, slightly grippy tannins. Blackberry and plum give way to pepper, olive and smoky mineral notes through a long, savoury finish.

Duck with lentils and roasted shallots would be excellent, while grilled tuna with black olive tapenade, mushroom and thyme tart, lamb kofta or smoky eggplant with white beans can take it in several directions. Serve it a little below room temperature and give it some air. 

Cellaring: Drink now to 2036.