Very deep garnet. Aromas of crushed blackberries, raspberries and cherries with some dusty oak. Lots more blackberry and blackcurrant on the palate, with juicy acidity and soft tannins. Classy wine. Drink to 2020.
This wine has all of the approachable and typical qualities of a youthful Syrah in Crozes-Hermitage. Beautiful balance between fresh acid, moderate elegant tannins and bright notes of red plum, violet and white pepper. Medium body and finish. Dangerously easy to drink and a good partner for hanger steak or duck confit. Great value.
Medium-deep browning garnet. Forward nose of cherry, chocolate-raisins and vanilla accented with mint and other herbs. A little thin on the palate, mostly tasting of raspberry jam, with tannins still high and prominent heat from the alcohol. Will keep another year or two, maybe the tannins will settle down.
Deep garnet. Faint nose of raspberry and oak. Thin on the palate with ripe raspberry flavours and soft tannins. Drink now.
Nearly opaque garnet, still a touch of pink at the rim. Nose of cassis, of course, but also black cherry, then opens with time in the glass to dates and figs. Only medium-bodied, with fairly high acidity. Tannins starting to mellow and fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant) now peaking. From a very good vintage, and still packed with fruit, this is ready to drink now and will plateau for a few years.
Tight with searing acidity and mouth-watering well-defined notes of green apple, mushroom, lime and wet stones. Complex long finish. Enjoyable now but will continue to reveal its depth over the next five to nine years.
Vibrant with brisk acid and expressive yet not overt notes of lemon, lime, grapefruit with a hint of wet stone and a pleasant chalky texture. Moderate to long finish. Ripe without losing the restrained typicity given by the cool climate of the Loire Valley. A natural with fresh oysters. Well done!