TEXTBOOK CROZES-HERMITAGE

DOMAINE DES REMIZIÈRES, AOP CROZES-HERMITAGE, CUVÉE 50ÈME ANNIVERSAIRE OPIMIAN, 2021

A full-bodied, glossy-textured style of Syrah in a very fresh, tangy style. The grapes hail from a mature, 20- to 25-year-old vineyard with clay limestone soils. After fermentation in stainless steel and concrete tanks, the wine remains on its skins to macerate for several weeks. This deepens flavours and helps integrate tannins further. Aging takes place over a 10-to-12-month duration in large, seasoned oak casks. The result is textbook Crozes-Hermitage, with its bright red and dark fruit notes, over hints of violet and white pepper. Moderately concentrated on the palate, with brisk acidity, and velvety tannins. This is a youthful, thirst-quenching style of Northern Rhône Syrah that is already drinking well and should hold nicely for five years or so. Try decanting an hour before serving and pairing with similarly flavoured dishes, like roast pork in a cranberry-pepper sauce. 2023-2028–jb