Etienne Bécheras (Le Prieuré d'Arras) Crozes-Hermitage

A nice bottle of Crozes. As expected, it doesn't have the class of a Hermitage wine, but was still very enjoyable with dinner. almost more of a southern Rhone wine in its balance with little cool climate character, more generous nature but also less complexity and length. Surely at or just past its peak at this point.

Apparently Becheras wines have been quite hard to find in the US, so I feel lucky to have run across this locally. Quite youthful appearing, dark garnet with a watery rim. Smells nice and dark and savory- very typical of N Rhone Syrah, though perhaps not with the intensity of more prestigious appellations/producers. The fruits aromas are black cherry and ripe plums, but there is meatiness and roasted vegetable smells in there as well. I only get a little bit …

Good call by Ben....agree with his assessment

Had at "The Grey" in Savannah, I very nice paring with the Grits and Filet gumbo and Okra. Bright and violety, mineral, just a touch of funky.

Mild nose. Sour cherry, pepper, strawberry but with a short finish.

Cloves pepper and earth in the first taste. Cinnamon and melon towards the finish.

MNB: Reds (Home (Noe st)) : (blind) Medium ruby color. Nose is strange - a bit floral / plasticky (reductive?). Possible brett / diaper. Pepper - black pepper. Some ripe and raisinated fruit - hint of millerandage / cherry. Attack seems almost like 1-2g RS. 14% alcohol, medium acid, medium tannins (a bit papery and bitter). Dilute, and ripe, but distinctly peppery. Laterals: Rhone - Syrah or GSM. Given the color is just medium, and the acid is lacking, and …