Georges Lelektsoglou / Compagnie de l'Hermitage Crozes-Hermitage Vieilles Vignes de Gervans

The greatest Crozes-Hermitage I ever tasted. It’s still young. It’s got another 20 years ahead. You can tell this is made of real old vines. It’s got depth and a finish that goes on and on. It reminds me of a cross between an Hermitage and a old school Cote Rotie. I’m glad a bought a case of this.

This is compelling. The blackberry fruit comes right at you but is immediately followed by a Northern Rhône Smokey/Meaty thing in the nose. Cool on the palate—the structure here is more from acidity than tannin, but there’s some chewiness too. Really nice.