Yann Chave: From Crozes to Hermitage
We are only on our second vintage since we were able to start working directly with Yann Chave, but this has quickly become one of the most exciting additions to our Rhône portfolio. One of the great singular producers in Crozes-Hermitage, Yann was also an early adopter of organic viticulture in the region, earning certification in 2007.
The original domaine was founded by Yann's parents, Nicole and Bernard Chave, in the early 1970s, when the family farm was still a mix of vineyards and fruit orchards. Yann took over in 1996 and shifted the focus entirely to wine. Today the estate spans about 20 hectares, centered in Crozes-Hermitage with holdings on the hill of Hermitage and, more recently, in St-Joseph.
Yann's wines have a purity that runs through all of the wines, but each speaks very clearly to its terroir. The regular Crozes is perfumed, bright, and immediately inviting. Le Rouvre takes you somewhere deeper and more profound. The new St-Joseph shows another side of Northern Rhône Syrah entirely, while the Hermitage demonstrates just how far Yann can take things.
And there is a white in the mix as well. With Yann's daughter Daphné increasingly involved at the domaine, there is another generation bringing its perspective to these wines. Her time studying winemaking in Burgundy has provided some of the inspiration behind the Crozes-Hermitage Blanc.
We may only be two vintages into our Direct Import relationship, but these are wines I am incredibly excited to have in our portfolio.
2024 Domaine Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Rouge $34.99 Top Pick | 91 VN | 90 JD This is the perfect introduction to Yann Chave. Sourced from estate parcels in La Roche-de-Glun, Mercurol, and Pont-de-l'Isère, it is aged entirely in stainless steel, preserving the freshness and purity of the Syrah. Perfumed and elegant. This is consummate Crozes. Great purity of Syrah fruit character showcasing the vibrant raspberry and spice-filled character of the region. Fine tannins and easily accessible in its youth.
2023 Domaine Yann Chave "Le Rouvre" Crozes-Hermitage Rouge $44.99 94 RP | 93 JS | 91 VN Le Rouvre takes Crozes to another level. It comes from the Les Pautus terraces, where an ancient Rhône riverbed left behind a thick layer of rolled river pebbles. The massal-selection Syrah vines here are more than 60 years old, producing naturally low yields. The wine spends a year in 600-liter demi-muids followed by another six months in tank.
I adore this wine. This is a much deeper and more profound expression of Crozes-Hermitage, with floral and herbal notes layered over deep, savory fruit. There is so much terroir on display here. It is never heavy or hedonistic, but it has tremendous presence and depth. I first tasted this from barrel in 2025 and again from bottle in 2026, and it has continued to impress me at every stage. This is a magnificent expression of Syrah that encapsulates just how good a great Crozes-Hermitage can be.
2025 Domaine Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Blanc $39.99 Finding inspiration in Burgundy—where Daphné Chave spent time studying winemaking—this is a lovely expression of Marsanne and Roussanne. Oily and mineral-driven, it unfolds with layered notes of nectarine, wet stone, and marzipan. There is a wonderful subtlety and nuance here that becomes even more expressive at the table, particularly alongside richer white meats and fish dishes.
2023 Domaine Yann Chave St-Joseph $44.99 95 JGD | 94 JS | 93 RP | 91 VN This is the inaugural release of Yann Chave's St-Joseph, sourced entirely from Tournon, one of the historic sectors of the appellation where the heart and soul of deeper-flavored St-Joseph prevails. They are in good company with Jean-Louis Chave and Pierre Gonon having their primary holdings here. Sweet loamy fruit with savory spice. The classic bacon fat character looms in the background but should emerge more fully in a few years. Gorgeous potential!
2023 Domaine Yann Chave Hermitage Rouge $149.99 Top Pick | 96 RP | 94 DC | 94 VN At the top of the range is Yann's Hermitage, sourced from Beaume and Péléat on the eastern side of the legendary hill. The 2022 was one of my WOW! wines of last year. It was packed with explosive Syrah fruit and a savory, floral edge, with tremendous length on the palate. It just kept delivering with every sip.
The 2023 follows a similar profile but with a little more elegance and lift. The fruit comes from two parcels, Beaume and Péléat, on the eastern side of the hill, where the vines catch more of the morning sun. Like me, it's an early riser, but one that will deliver even more as the day grows long—or with just a few more years in bottle. This is a beautifully balanced expression with plenty to offer now and even more to come with time.
Scores: JGD Jamie Goode, JS James Suckling, JD Jeb Dunnuck, RP Wine Advocate, VN Vinous, DC Decanter.