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."
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
An aromatic, approachable and 'bon marché' Hermitage for anyone looking for a window on this iconic appellation or wine-making dynasty. Although made from brought-in grapes and bottled under their 'J-L Chave Sélection' label, this wine receives the full Chave level of meticulous quality control.
As opposed to the Chave's Domaine Hermitage, which is exclusively sourced from their own vineyards, the 'Farconnet' (named after a lord who sold the Chave family their first parcel of Hermitage) includes Syrah grapes that Jean-Louis buys in from other lieux-dits - Les Diognières, Les Greffieux, and little Péléat.
95 Points - Vinous
Saturated violet color. Smoky, mineral-accented black and blue fruit scents are complicated by olive paste, licorice and floral nuances that build in the glass. Juicy and energetic in the mouth, offering vibrant blackberry, boysenberry, candied violet and smoky bacon flavors that become sweeter with air. The floral and mineral notes come back strong on the penetrating finish, which shows outstanding persistence and fine-grained, harmonious tannins.
