Jean-Louis Chave Selection 'Circa' Saint-Joseph Blanc

Here is a really beautiful white from one of the benchmark producers of the Northern Rhone, Jean-Louis Chave. “Circa” is a Saint-Joseph Blanc made from 60% Roussanne and 40% Marsanne, and it is exactly the kind of Rhone white I love to drink. It has plenty of texture and richness, but it never gets heavy or blowsy. There is ripe pear, citrus oil, white flowers, almond, and just a touch of honey, along with a subtle mineral quality that keeps everything fresh and focused.

It has the richness that Chardonnay drinkers are looking for, but with less oak and a lot more of that Old World character I love. This is one of those wines that is easy to drink now but has enough going on to keep you coming back to the glass. A really serious bottle of Saint-Joseph from a legendary producer, and a great bottle to have on the table.