Crozes Hermitage is the largest of the northern appellations covering 11 communes around Tain L‘Hermitage on the left bank of the river. The soils are richer than those of Hermitage producing less powerful fruity wines. The reds are fairly soft, supple and aromatic, the whites floral, fresh and bone dry.
Tasting notes: A dark smoky edge softens the black fruit, fig, tobacco and roasted chestnut notes. The long fleshy finish has excellent buried minerality.
Tasting notes: "The 1997 Crozes-Hermitage Les Varonnieres is a soft, fat, slightly acidic offering. It possesses a saturated dark ruby/purple color, as well as a pronounced cherry liqueur nose with smoke, roasted herbs, and underbrush notes in the background. Full-bodied, dense, chewy, and made in a user-friendly, accessible style, this wine should be delicious when released, and age well for 12-15 years." Robert Parker 90 - 93 points
