The grapes for Farconnet come from 3 distinctive parts of the Hermitage hill. The majority of the blend comes from Diognières, which is at the base of the hill on alluvial soil with many small pebbles. It lends a note of spice to the wine. The next parcel is Péleat. It sits above Diognières and is composed of more sand and limestone in the clay. It gives finesse to the wine. And finally, Greffieux sits at the base of Le Méal on the hill. Its soil consists of rolled river stones brought by the glaciers. It brings structure to the finished wine. Farconnet was the name of a nobleman back in the time of Jean- Louis Chave’s great grandfather. He was actually the man from whom the great grandfather bought the Bessards parcel."
94 Points, Vinous: Inky violet color. Displays ripe dark fruit, licorice, olive, potpourri and cracked pepper aromas, plus a smoky mineral flourish that adds an energetic lift. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering appealingly sweet black and blue fruit, cola, licorice and exotic spice flavors that show impressive depth and vivacity. Finishes very long and precise, with a lingering floral quality and dusty, slowly building tannins.