2011 J.L. Chave Selection “Celeste” Saint-Joseph Blanc

4g

Since returning from France last summer, we have not had the opportunity to drink many French wines.  I do love wines from France so when the opportunity arrives I will drink it.  Last year we had a tasting at Sunfish cellars that included the 2011 J.L. Chave Selection “Celeste” Saint-Joseph Blanc.  We enjoyed the wine so much that we bought a bottle for another day.

Rhone regionThe Rhone Wine region is noted in the red box above.

The Saint-Joseph Appellation is part on the northern Rhone wine region of France.  Although the appellation covers the largest amount of land, it is second in actual size under the Crozes-Hermitage, an appellation with which it shares much regarding style and prestige. While St.-Joseph is primarily a red wine region based on the Syrah grape, there may be up to 10% Marsanne and Roussanne.

IMG_1132

Sight
Medium color depth and an amber hue.

IMG_1134

Smell
Very aromatic with aromas of lemon, pear, toasty, creamy, mineral notes.

Taste
Dry, medium-bodied with balanced acidity.  The wine was flavorful with bright long mid-palate flavors.

abv: 14%

How much: $31.00

Blend:  90% Roussanne and 10% Marsanne varietals.

Notes from the importer:  From the importer: “The vineyards for Céleste are in Mauves on granitic slopes. It is the only white produced by Jean Louis Chave which comes from granitic soil. This wine is now available since 2009 thanks to the purchase by Domaine Jean Louis Chave of a well reputed historic St Joseph domaine. The wine is so stunning, Jean Louis continues to plant more Roussanne on the unplanted granite soils of this newly acquired domaine. This white St Joseph differs from the white Hermitage in that the soil of white Hermitage (clay and limestone) gives softness and suppleness to the wine whereas the granite soil expresses a wonderful minerality which perfectly accompanies food and gives an additional sense of vivacity.”

I rated  2011 J.L. Chave Selection “Celeste” Saint-Joseph Blanc four glasses.

Life is too short to drink crappy wine.  Expand your palate and keep trying.

facebook button Facebook.com/BillsWineWandering

twitter @BillsWineWander

Related