2011 Crozes Hermitage Le Clos

The top cuvee from Crozes Hermitage, the 2011 Crozes Hermitage Le Clos is slightly more focused and straight, with impressive blackberry, black raspberry, spring flowers, charcoal and hints of bacon fat in its medium to full-bodied, concentrated and nicely balanced profile. A blend of 100% Syrah that spent 16 months in 40% new French oak, this seamlessly textured effort has good acidity and fine tannin that gives ample cut on the finish. I’m a fan and it should drink nicely for at least a decade. Run by Jacques Grange and Claire Darnaud, Delas, which is owned by the Louis Roederer-Deutz Champagne firm, is producing no nonsense, extremely high quality efforts that are near the top of each of their respective appellations. I was consistently impressed by the wines, and they stood out in all of the larger tastings that I was able to do. In addition, I was able to taste the wines again at the domain, and again once back in the states. These are serious efforts worthy of attention. As to the Hermitages, they produce two, a standard Domaine des Tourettes, and in top vintages, the Les Bessards. In addition to the top-flight Cote Rotie and Hermitage releases, this estate produces a bevy of high quality efforts from Cornas and Saint Joseph. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000