M. Chapoutier : Les Varonniers 2022

Sourced from grapes planted on granite in the western part of the appellation near the Hermitage's hill, the 2022 Crozes-Ermitage Les Varonniers is elegantly reduced with notes of flowers, iris, lilac and violet intertwined with lovely notes of dark cherries. Medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it's firm and austere with structured tannins and a somewhat oaky finish. It will benefit from one to two years in the cellar to harmonize the mismatch between the fresh, floral nose and the more austere, bitter palate.

Steeped black currant and plum notes are wrapped around a pillar of graphite in this dark, tightly packed version. Mineral intensity and black tea tannins keep this focused and firm, with warm stone, incense smoke, cocoa, lavender and pepper details. Serious and dense. Drink now through 2033. 5 cases imported.

The 2022 Crozes-Ermitage Les Varonniers shows well, opening with ripe black fruits, licorice, and a discreet touch of cedar. Built around ripe tannins, the 2022 is a deeply concentrated, medium- to full-bodied Les Varonniers with plenty of character. This checks out with a flicker of orange rind on the savory aftertaste.