M Chapoutier, Crozes Ermitage Les Varonniers 2015 (1.5L)

"Crozes Hermitage excelled in 2015 and all three of these releases from Chapoutier are more than notable. The 2015 Crozes Ermitage Les Varonniers comes from a cool, west-facing parcel just beside the Bessards lieu-dit of Hermitage. My money is on this being the finest Crozes of the vintage. It has beautiful notes of crème de cassis, black currants, wood smoke and charcoal in a full-bodied, massive, rich and concentrated style. It will have two decades of longevity." - Wine Advocate

"Intense, with dark currant, fig and blackberry confiture flavors forming the core. Youthfully tight, featuring notes of ganache, warm tobacco and dark earth draped over the finish. Shows rivets of acidity throughout, with a beautiful hint of bay leaf at the very end. Should age wonderfully." - Wine Spectator