Crozes-Ermitage Les Varonniers

A mind-blowing wine for this appellation, this could easily be mistaken for Hermitage. Terrific concentration and energy on the extremely stony and structured palate, showing pepper, smoke and forest-berry aromas. But there’s also plenty of flesh on the bone. Remarkably elegant in the long, focused finish. A cuvee of two parcels, one very close to Hermitage. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

A refined, textural and well-composed red with aromas of dark cherries, forest berries, cured meat, black pepper and graphite. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Focused and well-driven, with a core of dark berries and spices dominating on the palate. It’s funneled and rather intense, with a powdery texture toward the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

Expressive notes of black currant and winey cherry are densely packed with decent generosity in this Crozes. Shows beautiful textural purity, with subtle chewiness and hints of graphite, tapenade and savory herbs filling in midpalate. Robust, particularly for the vintage, with a sanguine, full and focused finish. Drink now through 2033. 5 cases imported.