Chave tasting request

This morning I got an email from Schneider's of Capitol Hill (Wine store in DC) and they have the 2005 version of the Chave St Joseph rouge "Offerus" on sale for $22.99 plus shipping. I am wondering if I should maybe get a few of them as the price sounds about right, and maybe even a bit under priced.

Back in May 2007 Tom Hill posted on the 2003 version of this wine and his Bloody Pulpit notes said that it was best to avoid. I have no history with this wine so if someone has had the 2005 vtg would tell me about it I might just spend a few $$. Thanks.

This morning I got an email from Schneider's of Capitol Hill (Wine store in DC) and they have the 2005 version of the Chave St Joseph rouge "Offerus" on sale for $22.99 plus shipping. I am wondering if I should maybe get a few of them as the price sounds about right, and maybe even a bit under priced.

Back in May 2007 Tom Hill posted on the 2003 version of this wine and his Bloody Pulpit notes said that it was best to avoid. I have no history with this wine so if someone has had the 2005 vtg would tell me about it I might just spend a few $$. Thanks.

Bob,
I don't have firsthand experience with the '05 Offerus, but I have heard good things about it. If you're looking for a classic Chave experience, however, my advice would be to get some of his St. Joseph, as the Offerus is made from purchased grapes (I believe). My impressions of earlier editions of the Offerus have been of a very attractive N. Rhone Syrah, but nothing that made me think of Chave's Hermitage (duh!) whereas the St. Jos I've had from him have blown me away.

Mark Lipton

I havent had '05 Offerus, Bob, but I have had '99, '00, '01 and they were all very tasty although not overly complex. This is one of Chave's négociant bottlings and doesn't come close (IMO) to his estate St. Joseph. If I saw this on the shelf for $22-23 I'd probably buy one to try but would pass at $25-27.

(edit) in other words, what Mark said...

Bob,
I don't have firsthand experience with the '05 Offerus, but I have heard good things about it. If you're looking for a classic Chave experience, however, my advice would be to get some of his St. Joseph, as the Offerus is made from purchased grapes (I believe). My impressions of earlier editions of the Offerus have been of a very attractive N. Rhone Syrah, but nothing that made me think of Chave's Hermitage (duh!) whereas the St. Jos I've had from him have blown me away.

Mark Lipton

Thanks for the feedback Mark. I wasn't aware that this was not an estate grown wine, and that could make a difference. I wonder what his Estate St. Joseph syrah is valued at. In your experience are these cleanly made wines? I am asking because of Tom Hill's experience with the '03. Thanks again.

I havent had '05 Offerus, Bob, but I have had '99, '00, '01 and they were all very tasty although not overly complex. This is one of Chave's négociant bottlings and doesn't come close (IMO) to his estate St. Joseph. If I saw this on the shelf for $22-23 I'd probably buy one to try but would pass at $25-27.

(edit) in other words, what Mark said...

Bill, I appreciate you taking time to give me some advice. As I said I have no experience with this wine and darned little with the producer at all. I know he has a rather good reputation as a wine maker and this is probably what got my attention in the first place. I think I will look for the Estate wine instead.