2017 Now finished: CROZES-HERMITAGE, Sicamor, Chapoutier. Northern Rhône

Crozes is a large appellation in the northern Rhône. All too often it sells because of its association with Hermitage itself, but the wines are very different. Hermitage is a big, long-lived powerful style of Syrah, whereas in Crozes the emphasis is on freshness, aromatics and vivacity.

Michel Chapoutier is a restless genius making a huge range of limited production bottlings, all from biodynamic vineyards throughout the Rhône valley, but with his heart in Hermitage.
This is a new Crozes cuvée, matured for 12 months in old demi-muid (600 litre) barrels amd then for 6 months in concrete tank.

The Chapoutier magic touch (and great vineyard management) give this Crozes unusual ripeness and impressive power. However, it’s still very much a fresh, pure, clean style – so different to the bigger, brooding wines from the southern Rhône.

“2017 Crozes-Hermitage Sicamor is a new cuvée drawn from the family’s holdings around Hermitage, a blend of alluvial and granitic sites. Scents of crushed stone and black olive slowly give way to black cherries on the palate, which is medium to full-bodied and velvety in texture, finishing long and silky. It should drink well for up to a decade. Drink 2019 – 2030.’ – Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate.