Domaine Chave Saint-Joseph 2018

Drawn from a mosaic of historic parcels in the original villages of Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Lemps, each parcel contributes a distinct element to the blend. Old vines in Tournon, some dating to the early 1900s, grow on granite mixed with clay and bring depth and supple tannins; the more acidic granite slopes of Mauves provide freshness and structure; Pichonnier in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, with finer-grained granite, contributes generosity and ripe tannins; and Bachasson in Lemps adds structure from soils comparable to parts of Hermitage. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts in a combination of wood tonneaux and stainless steel tanks, followed by 15–18 months of aging in barriques, a measured élevage designed to preserve the character of each terroir while building structure, complexity, and aging potential.