Hermitage Farconnet
2015
The Chave family is the epitome of 'People, Place and Time'. They have been vignerons in the Rhône valley since 1481 - an astonishing 16 generations. Originally the family farmed only in St. Joseph, moving to Hermitage about a century ago when phylloxera swept through the region. Today Chave Hermitage Rouge and Hermitage Blanc are generally regarded as the appellation's greatest wines. In recent years Jean Louis has begun the painstaking process of restoring the steep St. Joseph terraces that...
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The grapes come from 3 distinctive parts of the Hermitage hill. The majority of the blend comes from Diognières, which is at the base of the hill on alluvial soil with many small pebbles.The next parcel is Péleat. It sits above Diognières and is composed of more sand and limestone. And finally, Greffieux sits at the base of Le Méal on the hill. Its soil consists of rolled river stones brought by the glaciers.
The grapes are fermented in barrel and stainless steel before barrique ageing for 18-24 months
Delicious and soulful, this offers generous ripe cassis, plum and mulled cherry notes, all liberally dusted in black pepper, mocha and olive tapenade and robed in lightly toasted cedar. Harmonious and persistent, with incense and iron shavings carrying the long, captivating finish.
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Inky violet color. Displays ripe dark fruit, licorice, olive, potpourri and cracked pepper aromas, plus a smoky mineral flourish that adds an energetic lift. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering appealingly sweet black and blue fruit, cola, licorice and exotic spice flavors that show impressive depth and vivacity. Finishes very long and precise, with a lingering floral quality and dusty, slowly building tannins.
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Ripe and fleshy, with an open-knit personality to the mix of steeped blackberry and black cherry compote flavors, backed by anise, smoldering black tea and loam notes. Offers well-integrated grip, making this approachable while giving it staying power.
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