Extreme ripeness for the Vintage - grapes harvested by mid-October. And, nonetheless, disconcerting ease and crispness. Immediate pleasure !
The vintage

Like 1991 coming after 1990, this Great Vintage - as this is a Great
Vintage - may go somewhat unnoticed, after the celebrated 2015,
and in the shade of its dazzling southern cousin...
A certain heterogeneity amongst Red Wines, a gorgeous aromatic definition in the white Wines. All Northern wines will not necessarily be successful this year. The harvest was generous. Sometimes even a little too generous. The quality of some cuvées undeniably suffered, on some sectors. However, and as always, the “reasonable and serious” Vignerons produced superbly colorful, stylish, and mineral Wines, which ranks this 2016 Vintage in the elite of the successful Vintages. with full, juicy, and silkiest Wines !

Terroir

Larnage, Battis, Gervans, Coteaux sur Mercurol.

Type of soil

Decomposed granite.

Ageing

12 months in one year and new barrels. Allier et Tronçais. Then 6 months in foudre.

Vinification

1/3 non destemmed.

Serving

16°C
Decant an hour before tasting.

Tasting

Extreme ripeness for the Vintage - grapes harvested by mid-October. And, nonetheless, disconcerting ease and crispness. Immediate pleasure !

Alcohol content

13%

Bottling

Without fining and filtration.

Cépages

Syrah : 100 %

Le Crozes Hermitage est bien en place avec un fruit juteux et avenant.

La Revue du Vin de France , 15/20

Mid purplish crimson. Not the intense colour of the south. Meaty and lifted. Very fragrant. Racy and round. Super supple with a little salty savour on the end. Really very impressive indeed. Not amazingly concentrated but beautifully balanced.

Jancis Robinson , 16,5/20 , 2017-12-01

Enticing, offering a soft edge and persistent flavors of mulled currant, blackberry and boysenberry fruit. Features a light licorice lacing on the finish, with pretty spice accents.

Wine Spectator , 91/100 , 2018-11-30

Brilliant purple. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of fresh blue fruits, olive and candied licorice, joined by a steadily building peppery nuance. Juicy, focused and gently sweet, offering intense boysenberry and spicecake flavors and a touch of allspice. The mineral note comes back strong on a very long, penetrating finish that leaves a sexy violet pastille note behind.

Josh Reynolds
Vinous , 91-93/100 , 2018-06-01