2016 Crozes Hermitage Les Pierrelles
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Tasting notes
Brilliant violet. Fresh cherry and dark berry scents are energized by smoky mineral and cracked pepper nuances. Pliant black and blue fruit flavors show very good power, and a sexy violet pastille note builds on the back half. The mineral note comes back strong on the finish, which features rounded, even tannins and a lingering suggestion of cassis.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Crozes Hermitage Les Pierrelles comes from sandy, pebbly soils and spent 14 months in 2- to 5-year-old barrels. Saturated purple/ruby-colored, with beautiful notes of blackberries, pepper, ground herbs, and hints of minerality, it hits the palate with a rounded, supple, elegant texture that carries terrific depth and richness. It's a beautiful Crozes that will keep for 7-8 years, probably longer. I’ve always loved the wines from this tiny family-owned estate in Crozes Hermitage, and they continue to produce classic, impeccably balanced wines that can at time lack some wow factor, yet grow on you with time in the glass, are impeccably balanced, and loaded with charm.
Belle's 2016 Crozes Hermitage les Pierrelles comes not from the area around the winery but from the clay and galet soils around Pont d'Isère. It's a classic, fruit-forward expression of the appellation, meant to be consumed young. Pepper, licorice and clove notes accent cherry and plum in this supple, medium to full-bodied effort that goes down far too easy.
Oaky nose followed by blackcurrant and pepper on the palate. Dry, fibrous, simple finish. (RH)