JL Chave St. Joseph Offerus., 1999

If you want to try a red Hermitage made by JL Chave, you will have to shell out about $300 for a bottle. This St. Joseph Offerus is produced from Syrah grapes purchased from several of Chave's neighbors in St. Joseph and, at $25 to $30 a bottle, is one of the best bargains in Northern Rhone reds.

Deep ruby red with brown tones on rim. Mature fruit with well developed savory notes. Boysenberries, black olives, bacon fat. Salty, savory minerals. This 1999 had great acidity when it was young but that has been tamed a bit and provides a good partner with the lingering tannins on the lovely finish. Very good mature Syrah.