2015 Cave de Tain Crozes Hermitage

The largest production cuvée is the 2015 Crozes-Hermitage Grand Classique. This pure, clean, classic Northern Rhône Syrah is well worth your time and money. Blackberries, crushed rocks, and lots of peppery herbs all flow from this rounded, approachable, nicely balanced Syrah that's ideal for drinking over the coming 4-6 years. This incredible co-op is located on the southern end of Tain l’Hermitage, just at the base of the famed Hermitage Hill. While most co-ops make wine from mostly purchased grapes, this co-op owns a large portion of their vineyards, including prime parcels in Hermitage. Couple this with a brand new, state of the art winery and you have a recipe for terrific wines. As I’ve said in the past, they might be the best co-op in the world!

An absolutely terrific value, the 2015 Crozes Hermitage Grand Classique is like a mini-Hermitage this year, boasting hints of crushed stone, pencil shavings and rich, concentrated, plummy fruit. It's firm and long, with licorice notes on the finish.

Bright purple. Spicy, mineral-laced dark berries, menthol and violet on the incisive nose. Smoky and focused on the palate, offering energetic bitter cherry and cassis flavors that unfurl slowly as the wine opens up. Shows very good energy and peppery bite on the gently tannic finish, which lingers with strong, floral-tinged persistence.