Crozes-Hermitage
2020 Paul Jaboulet Aine, Crozes-Hermitage, Domaine de Thalabert 6x75cl
"Shimmering ruby. Expressive, spice-accented red and dark berry aromas are complemented by suggestions of olive, espresso and candied flowers. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering gently sweet... cherry and cassis flavors that deepen through the back half. Finishes very long, spicy and smooth, with even tannins lending final grip." 92-94 pts., Josh Raynolds, vinous.com
£99 / Case£16.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 M. Chapoutier, Crozes-Hermitage, Les Varonniers 6x75cl
"Graphite, plum and blackberry aromas. Beautifully silky, this has a good sense of fluidity but also remarkable intensity and concentration. Energetic and driven, with deep fruit and sweet tannin,... there's a mineral straightness that helps to temper that ripe fruit and ripe tannin. The alcohol is quite raised but not unbalanced; this is a cut above most Crozes-Hermitages, more serious in style and texture." 94 pts., Matt Walls, www.decanter.com
£190 / Case£31.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2019 Yann Chave, Crozes-Hermitage, Rouvre 3x150cl
"Blackberries, plums and a touch of oak appear on the nose of the 2019 Crozes Hermitage le Rouvre. Full-bodied and concentrated, it's richly tannic yet fully ripe, with layers of rich, velvety tannins unfolding through the long, licorice-tinged finish." 93 pts., Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com
£135 / Case£45 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Yann Chave, Crozes-Hermitage 12x75cl
A very fine and pure expression of syrah here from Yann Chave. Made from 25-year old vines, and without oak. Generous violet floral and white pepper nose; very juicy, sweet/bitter black fruit and savoury liquorice palate; polished, elegant, precisely structured, impeccable finish with lingering pepper spice.
£195 / Case£16.25 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Yann Chave, Crozes-Hermitage, Rouvre 12x75cl
Yann’s ‘le Rouvre’ cuvée steps things up a gear, with an extra level of depth and intensity. A selection of the oldest parcels of syrah in the south of Crozes, and aged for 12 months in one... and two year-old barrels. Violet florals, blood citrus and white pepper on the nose; rich and powerful on the palate with intense, black cherry and an intriguing interplay of sweet and bitter black olive fruit. Ultra precision and polish on a long, expansive finish.
£275 / Case£22.92 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Melody, Crozes-Hermitage, Premier Regard 12x75cl
Hints of white pepper and spice on the nose lead you to a delightful warm and forward mouthful of berry fruit compote, vanilla and liquorice. Excellent weight and texture with malleable tannins that make it very accessible in its youth, yet built for medium term enjoyment as well.
£170 / Case£14.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Domaine Melody, Crozes-Hermitage, Etoile Noire 12x75cl
Spicy, exuberant, full-bodied, but with real underlying freshness. Very well balanced, concentrated, with great finesse of tannin; all elements along with the oak are well integrated and finish with great depth and length.
£250 / Case£20.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur