Les Remizières Domaine des Remizières Crozes-Hermitage 2019 750ml

Whispers of eucalyptus and charred clove lend spice to black-currant and cherry flavors in this 100% Syrah sourced from vines averaging 45 years in age. Matured 15 months in a combination of new and used oak, it’s full bodied and deeply concentrated but maintains freshness and vitality. Delicious now the wine should hold well through 2029. (Anna Lee C. Iijima)

Dark in color for a “basic” Crozes, the 2019 Crozes Hermitage shows impressive concentration and ripeness, seamlessly marrying black olives and licorice into a rich, full-bodied example of the appellation. Round and velvety, it may lack a bit of nuance, but it’s a satisfying mouthful of Syrah for drinking over the next several years.

The base 2019 Crozes-Hermitage looks to be outstanding, with a beautiful purple color, classic Northern Rhône notes of darker fruits, pepper, and gamey tapenade, medium to full body, and a balanced, pure, seamless texture. It should be a smoking value and delivers the goods.