The 2021 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave St Joseph Syrah from the Northern Rhone region of France is a noteworthy wine characterized by its precision, balance, and mineral undertones. This vintage has garnered positive reviews from several respected wine publications.
Decanter rated this wine a 93, highlighting the distinct characteristics of its various lieux-dits. In their review, they noted the Bachesson parcel's "peppery side and characteristic rose scent," as well as its "unmistakably granitic texture." The Chalaix lieu-dit was described as "precise, fine, with no huge concentration but good balance." They concluded that the finished blend of the domaine’s St-Joseph is "neat, precise and fresh, with a distinct mineral side," recommending it for consumption between 2023 and 2030.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded the 2021 Saint Joseph a score of 92. He described it as having a "healthy dense ruby/purple hue" and praised its "textbook Saint Joseph aromas and flavors of black fruit," with hints of red fruit, graphite, ground pepper, and meaty, bloody nuances. Dunnuck commended its "beautiful tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and outstanding length," but noted that it's one of the rare 2021s that would benefit from a few years of bottle age. He also pointed out that no Clos Florentin will be produced this year due to the devastating frost.
Vinous, with a score of 91, appreciated the use of roughly 10% whole-clusters during fermentation, which contributed to a "red-fruited profile paired with earthy gradations and leafy undertones." Nicolas Greinacher from Vinous described the wine as "medium-bodied and well balanced by bright acidity," and noted its "seamlessly sculpted" nature with "absolutely no hard edges," concluding with a "clean finish." He also mentioned that Chave bottled the 2021 slightly earlier than usual to help maintain its freshness.
Overall, the 2021 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave St Joseph Syrah is a well-crafted wine with strong reviews, reflecting its balanced acidity, minerality, and the finesse expected from the producer.