M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Varonniers 2020

Aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, smoke and violets. Medium-bodied with chalky tannins and crisp acidity. Such character for the appellation with precision and poise. Great energy with a focused long, long finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

Graphite, plum and blackberry. Beautifully silky, has a good sense of fluidity but also remarkable intensity and concentration. Energy and drive, with deep fruit and sweet tannins. Has a mineral straightness that helps to temper the ripe fruit and ripe tannin. The alcohol is quite raised but not unbalanced. A cut above most Crozes-Hermitages, more serious in style and texture.

From a warm year, this western-facing slope has yielded a serious wine, loaded with black olives, blackberries and cassis, plus a bit of roasted meat. Full-bodied and rich, with plenty of fruit, the 2020 Crozes Hermitage les Varonniers is velvety and concentrated, with a long, plush finish that hints at espresso.