This weekend we continue with a few more wines from the Northern Rhone. The vineyards are small and the prices can be as steep as the hillsides they are planted on. The Northern Rhone is much cooler than its Southern neighbor and the Syrah are truly distinct and the whites full and rich.
2020 Yves Cuilleron, Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, Les Rouses $33
100% Marsanne
Aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruits are joined by minerals and florals. Round and velvety on the palate, offering ripe pear, orange and honey flavors that show very good clarity and floral lift. The pear and floral notes carry through the supple, clinging finish, which leaves a hint of fresh fig behind
2019 Domaine Belle, Crozes Hermitage, Les Pierrelles $25
Syrah
The Les Pierrelles comes from sandy, pebbly soils and spent 14 months in 2- to 5-year-old barrels. Saturated purple/ruby-colored, with beautiful notes of blackberries, pepper, ground herbs, and hints of minerality, it hits the palate with a rounded, supple, elegant texture that carries terrific depth and richness. It’s a beautiful Crozes that will keep for 7-8 years, probably longer
2020 Chevalier, Crozes-Hermitage, Les Voleyses $26
Syrah
The Voleyses Cuvée is made from younger vine fruit and aged in stainless steel. Fragrant nose of blackberries, plums, a hint of leather. Layers of fruit roll over the plate, very soft and appealing. Chewy texture, earthy finish.
2018 Domaine des Pierres Seches, Saint Joseph $46
Syrah
A stunning Saint-Joseph that captures the heart and soul of this appellation — indeed, it hails from villages that make up the southern part of Saint-Joseph, its original borders, where fruit is riper, earthy and very profound. Winemaker Sylvain Gauthier selects fruit from mostly older vines for this gem of a northern Syrah. Aromas of red and black fruit, licorice, soy, crushed stones, lots of peppery spice. Medium-bodied, juicy, fine-grained tannins. Very long
2019 Domaine Vincent Paris, Cornas Granit 30 $45
Syrah
This Cornas Granit 30 designation refers to the soil, the approximate age of the vines, and the slope on which they are planted. Aromas are a cloud of camphor, black pepper, lillies, gravel, roasted plums, smoked meat. It leads with pure dark fruit with a smoky mid-palate, and a savory, mineral finish. The tannins have a gentle grip. Prime northern Rhône Syrah with just enough force to reel you in. Organic, Biodyanmic.
2019 Francois & Fils, Cote Rotie $77
97% Syrah, 3% Viognier
This intense Côte-Rôtie has aromas of black fruits and violets. The tannins of great finesse offer a full and round substance to an already ample and tasty mouth. Ready to drink now or leave to evolve in the cellar.