The reputation of Crozes-Hermitage is very much on the rise. In the hands of a new era of smart, tenacious, and inquisitive winemakers, the wines are firing on all cylinders. This was on full display during our recent visit with Yann Chave and his daughter Daphne.

These are sensual, serious, and delicious wines made by wonderful, caring people. Their two Crozes-Hermitage bottlings are compelling wines to drink now and over the coming decade.

Read on for details on these impressive reds and for a crack at their even more rare Hermitage red and Crozes-Hermitage blanc, then click on the Big Green Button to experience the fruits of this family's labor!

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2023 Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage
Northern Rhône Valley, France
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The Chaves make just two Syrahs in Crozes-Hermitage, the single-plot “Le Rouvre” that is offered below, and this, their flagship bottling. One couldn’t ask for a better calling card to the estate.

Yann destems the clusters and allows a three to four week maceration to refine the tannins. Aged in stainless steel for 10 months prior to bottling, Chave writes that it shows “fruit, brilliance, and elegance.” We heartily agree.

Bursting with black bramble fruits, dark cherry, anise, black pepper, and a hint of iodine, this is a deep Syrah that is nearly impossible to put down!

“A refined, lifted version, with gorgeous range to the floral aromatics and notes of singed bacon lard, plum and lavender. Ripe and round, offering warm stone and graphite elements. Displays salty, savory elegance as the sanguine intensity builds. Open and inviting yet shows the energy to go the distance in the cellar. Drink now through 2033. 5,000 cases made, 56 cases imported.”
          - 91 Points, Spectator (12/31/2025)

Release Price: $45
Vin Chicago Price: 32.99

2023 Yann Chave "Le Rouvre" Crozes-Hermitage
Northern Rhône Valley, France
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Wow, the single-site “Le Rouvre” is a stunner! Popping with the black olive tapenade, smokey grilled meat, black currants, and red raspberries we expect from top-notch Syrah, we simply could not stop smelling what was in the glass and asking, “Is this really Crozes-Hermitage?!”

Clusters are destemmed and macerate for four weeks. The wine then spends a year in 600L demi-muids before resting for another six months in tank. We can’t wait to see this rarity evolve in the upcoming years. Our only regret is that there is not much to go around.

“A finely calibrated version that offers high-toned elements of violet, plum and black currant alongside an iron-edged, chalky mineral backbone. Warm earth and humus notes fill in, with salty intensity and smoked bacon accents. Singed mesquite smoke wafts through the delicious finish, which shows good density. Drink now through 2032. 660 cases made, 18 cases imported.”
          - 92 Points, Wine Spectator (12/31/2025)

Release Price: $55
Vin Chicago Price: 47.99

2023 Yann Chave Hermitage
Northern Rhône Valley, France
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The Chaves have a tiny plot in Hermitage from which they make a single wine. The grapes for this cuvée come from south-facing vineyards with 50+ year old vines. Clusters are destemmed and macerated for four weeks after which the wine spends at least a year in 600L demi-muids and six months in tank before bottling. Our tasting notes for this impressive, fresh and pure rarity match up very closely with Wine Spectator's glowing review...

“This streaming, fresh style offers a core of plum, licorice and apple wood flanked by smoked lard and juniper. Mesquite ash and salt build in density toward the finish, with layers of fleur de sel, mineral and violet high tones. An elegant, restrained version, with good length and balance. Best from 2025 through 2040. 330 cases made, 12 cases imported.”
          - 94 Points, Wine Spectator (10/15/2025)

Only a few cases of this pinnacle Yann Chave red made their way to the United States. We have two to offer today!

Release Price: $175
Vin Chicago Price: 149.99

Plus Yann Chave's White!

2024 Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Blanc
Northern Rhône Valley, France
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This final wine is a true rarity, a Crozes-Hermitage Blanc! Whole clusters of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne are lightly pressed then fermented and aged in tank to preserve freshness and acidity. The result is mouthwatering.

There is a crisp, saline minerality that structures the wine and perfectly frames the notes of white peach, lemon curd, white flowers, and a touch of honeysuckle. This refreshing white will work marvelously with a variety of fare from fish to white meats to summer salads to white cheeses and, of course, by itself as an apéritif!

“A fresh burst of melon, star fruit and dried apricot merges with a firming salt and mineral layer that supports the creamy, juicy palate. Dried herbs and grass play out on the succulent finish, which shows good length and energy. Marsanne and Roussanne. Drink now through 2028. 500 cases made, 14 cases imported.”
          - 92 Points, Wine Spectator (12/31/2025)

We have five cases available.

Vin Chicago Price: 38.99