2018 M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Varonniers
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Tasting notes
Glistening ruby. A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, olive paste, mocha and potpourri; a smoky mineral element adds energetic lift. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering broad-shouldered bitter cherry, cassis, cola and candied violet flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Shows sharp focus and resonating smoke and spice notes on the penetrating finish, where dusty, slow-building tannins add gentle grip and focus. 25% new oak.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Rich and meaty, with the force and weight more like Hermitage than Crozes. The peppery notes are smothered in rich, powerful fruit. Beautifully toned tannins, very drinkable now, but subtle it ain't. Almost more like southern Grenache than northern Syrah! (RH)
Always one of the top Crozes-Hermitage out there (although the case could be made that it's more Hermitage than Crozes), the 2018 Crozes-Ermitage Les Varonniers has a liqueur of rocks-like character as well as gorgeous blue fruits, violets, earth, and bouquet garni aromas and flavors. I'd unquestionably guess Hermitage in a blind lineup. This full-bodied beauty has a seamless texture, ample tannins, and a great finish. It's pure class and the finest Crozes Hermitage out there in 2018. It's a stunning value that readers should snatch up!
Highly perfumed, mineral-accented black/blue fruit liqueur, incense and potpourri aromas take on exotic spice and licorice nuances with aeration. Deeply concentrated but lively as well, offering sappy blueberry, cassis, violet pastille and fruitcake flavors that are given vibrant lift by smoky mineral and spice flourishes. The mineral note drives an extremely long, energetic finish, where chewy tannins provide shape and firming grip.