2015 Crozes Hermitage

(made with whole clusters and raised in large, neutral oak barrels) Lurid ruby. Ripe dark berries and pungent flowers on the highly perfumed nose. Sappy blackberry, licorice and floral pastille flavors show very good depth and focus, and a peppery quality emerges on the back half. A sappy, subtly spicy and very long finish leaves juicy dark fruit and candied violet notes behind.