(2017) From vineyards surrounding the hill of Hermitage in the northern Rhône Valley, this is produced by the Tain co-operative, a high quality but massive player, who bottle 50% of all Crozes-Hermitage - you will see various of their labels in UK supermarkets and merchants. This has classic northern Rhône aromatics with a whiff of grilled bacon fat, solid black fruit and a roasted chestnut earthiness. In the mouth it is agile and limber, a lovely acid cut to the black fruit, the ripeness offset by tight tannins and that earthy, lightly smoky character from partial barrel ageing. Watch the video for food-matching ideas and more information.
