It is becoming less and less relevant to refer to Erin and Jean-Louis Chave’s négociant operation as a négociant because of how much Domaine fruit goes into the wines. While the Côtes-du-Rhône designated ”Mon Coeur” red blend may not be a Domaine wine, so dear is the wine to them and its place in the portfolio that it carries the name ”My Heart”. The 2020 vintage is here and at R250 a bottle, it’s a no-brainer for a wine that offers a peek inside this legendary estate’s style and Jean-Louis’ winemaking magic.
Dear Reader,
The J.L. Chave Sélection Côtes-du-Rhône “Mon Coeur” is a blend of mostly Syrah and some Grenache sourced from eight excellent vineyards spread across the areas of Valreas, Visan and Buisson – all chosen for their low yields and exceptional quality of fruit.
The 2020 vintage is a bit more lush and embodies the warmer temperatures experienced in the Rhône that year. But, with that being said, Jean-Louis has produced a wine of wonderful balance and structure. The nose is expressive – full of that bright, garagiste red berry fruit and violets. While previous vintages could be glugged back on their own, with the extra plushness on the 2020 we recommend you enjoy this with a plate of food in the company of family and friends.
For anyone wondering, we did receive the rest of the J.L. Chave Sélection range and they will be released at a later stage, but you are welcome to chat to us about what is available in the meantime or have a look on our website.
Côtes-du-Rhône ''Mon Coeur'' 2020
R 250 per bottle
‘…very drinkable, and very Rhône.”
Decanter.com
”…I continue to be especially impressed by the Mon Coeur Côtes-du-Rhône…Beyond delivering quality far above its station, it also provides a unique opportunity to see what one of the most talented winemakers in the north can do with Grenache, the signal variety of the south.”
Josh Raynolds for Vinous
Please note that orders of the 2020 Côtes-du-Rhône “Mon Coeur” are for a minimum of six bottles. For the quality of what is inside the bottle, trust us, you will need at least six bottles. Lastly, we would like to bring your attention to the type of cork used on this wine and others in the J.L. Chave Sélection range. Chave chooses a synthetic cork which helps to keep production costs down and maintain the competitive price on the wines. It does mean, however, that the wine is not suitable to be drunk with use of a Coravin preservation device that uses the needle as the cork does not reseal like a natural one.
