2011 Crozes Hermitage Le Grand Courtil

The selections parcellaires in 2011 are all superb. In the case of the 2011 Crozes-Ermitage Le Grand Courtil, it also represents a solid value. Classic Northern Rhone Syrah, it offers loads of meatiness and bacon-laced notes as well as ample raspberry, blackberry and earthy underbrush-like qualities on the nose. Medium-bodied, lightly textured and lively, with the vintage's approachable nature, it is sexy red to drink over the coming 7-8 years. Across the board, this is a superb lineup of wines that delivers high quality at all price points. Run by the team at Chapoutier, headed by Pierre-Henri Morel, the wines are made by Damien Brisset. This was a large tasting and I've simply listed the wines in the order we went through them. Within a vintage, the wines are broken up into three categories, the traditional releases, the Lieu-Dit releases, and the selections parcellaires releases. The 2011s are slightly softer and more streamlined than the 2012s. As a whole, they offer charming, supple and more medium-bodied profiles that will reward earlier drinking. Looking at the traditional releases in 2011, these wines show classic, yet approachable and delicious characters. In most cases they represent good value. Importer: A French Paradox, Peoria, IL; tel. (309) 682-8994

Bright purple. An assertively perfumed nose evokes black raspberry, Asian spices and smoky minerals. Juicy, precise and light on its feet, offering tangy dark berry flavors and a touch of cracked pepper. Shows good clarity on the finish, which betrays just a hint of tannins.