M Chapoutier, Crozes Ermitage Les Varonniers 2019

"Really intense, fragrant vintage. Great freshness and clarity of aroma, deeply violet scented and gently smoky. Tannins aren't quite as elegant as the best Hermitage but this is highly impressive for a Crozes. Very concentrated, will be very good when ready. A smart buy and likely to be fairly good value. From west-facing granite slope on the edge of Hermitage." - Decanter

"This must be the best Crozes-Hermitage I ever tasted! Deep, smoky, minty and spicy nose that expands and expands as it aerates, gaining ever more earthy complexity. Stunningly concentrated and focused palate with so much bitter chocolate and black cherry, but even more power. Giant finish that’s astonishingly refined for this appellation. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2024." - James Suckling