Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Crozes Herm Silene 2022

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Crozes-Hermitage 'Silène' 2022 is a refined and terroir-driven Syrah from one of the Rhône Valley’s most prestigious producers. The Chave family, with a winemaking legacy spanning over 500 years, is renowned for crafting some of the most sought-after expressions of Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage. While their Hermitage wines are world-famous, Silène offers a more approachable yet equally compelling take on Syrah, highlighting the unique character of Crozes-Hermitage.

The 2022 vintage experienced warm, dry conditions, leading to ripe, concentrated fruit while maintaining excellent freshness and balance. Sourced from hillside vineyards with granite and clay-limestone soils, this wine showcases the complexity and elegance of Crozes-Hermitage. Fermented in concrete and aged in neutral French oak barrels, Silène retains purity while developing structure and depth.

Appearance: A deep ruby with a youthful purple core, suggesting both concentration and freshness. The clarity is excellent, with a rich, almost opaque intensity. Swirling reveals slow, well-defined legs, hinting at moderate alcohol and a supple, structured body. Light plays across its surface, highlighting its vibrancy and depth.

Aroma: The nose is intensely aromatic, bursting with notes of blackberry, cassis, and ripe plum, interwoven with floral hints of violet and lavender. Earthy undertones of black olive tapenade, smoked meat, and cracked black pepper add complexity, while a touch of graphite and subtle spice enhances its finesse.

Taste: Medium to full-bodied, the palate is vibrant and structured, offering layers of dark berries, red cherry, and wild plum, balanced by savoury nuances of herbs, cured meats, and black peppercorns. The tannins are fine-grained yet firm, providing texture and age-worthiness, while a bright acidity ensures balance and freshness. A restrained use of oak lends subtle notes of cedar, spice, and dark cocoa, adding elegance without overshadowing the fruit purity.

Finish: Long and refined, with lingering notes of dark berries, cracked pepper, and a savoury, mineral-driven edge. The tannins are polished yet firm, giving the wine a beautiful sense of balance and ageing potential.

Food Pairing: Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Crozes-Hermitage ‘Silène’ 2022 pairs beautifully with roast lamb seasoned with rosemary and garlic, where its dark fruit and spice notes enhance the richness of the meat. It also complements wild mushroom risotto, as its earthy character and acidity elevate the dish’s umami depth. Best served with 30–45 minutes of decanting to allow its full aromatic and structural potential to unfold.