Saint-Joseph Circa 2021

JL CHAVE SELECTION

Saint-Joseph Circa
2021

Country
France
Regulated designation
Appellation origine controlée (AOC)
Region
Rhône Valley
Subregion
Northern Rhone
Appellation
Saint-Joseph
Classification
Not applicable
Varietal(s)
Roussanne 100 %
Colour
White
Sugar
Dry
Producer's website

About this winery

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...

See the JL CHAVE SELECTION detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

"Circa" formally know as "Celeste" is a blend of old-vine Roussane planted in Mauves on granitic slopes. It is the only white made by Jean Louis that comes from granitic soil. The first vintage produced was 2009 after the purchase of a historic St. Joseph domaine. The wine has made such an impression on Jean-Louis that he continues to plant more Roussanne.

Tasting notes

Capturing scents of almond and acacia on the nose with wonderfully-textured white stone and fruits on the palate, complemented with a long, elegant finish

Press reviews

 Wine and Spirits Magazine

- 93 points -

Tara Q. Thomas, January 2017 (Vintage 2013)

Jean-Louis Chave makes Circa from a parcel of roussanne grown on granite, an interesting counterpoint to the roussanne he grows in Hermitage on clay and limestone (also recommended here). While it has roussanne’s russetted flavors—roasted almonds and pears, savory honey and spice—it feels brisk and firm, energized by fresh, cool acidity that tempers the wine’s oily richness and focuses the attention instead on its delicacy.

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Wine Spectator

- 93 points -

James Molesworth, November 2018 (Vintage 2016)

The creamed pear, yellow apple and white peach flavors are layered seamlessly, framed with alluring brioche and salted butter notes, all flowing through the finish in lockstep. Drink now through 2023.

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