Region: Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone, France

Varietal: 100% Syrah

Tasting Notes: This 2020 Crozes-Hermitage offers a polished and expressive take on Northern Rhône Syrah. Aromas of blackberry, violet, cracked black pepper, and smoked meat rise from the glass, layered with hints of olive tapenade and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and finely structured, showing juicy black fruit framed by firm yet refined tannins and a spine of bright acidity. Notes of graphite, spice, and earth add complexity, while the finish lingers with savory elegance. A wine that balances youthful energy with classic Rhône character, it’s drinking beautifully now but promises further nuance with a few years in the cellar.

Producer: Maison Les Alexandrins is a collaborative venture founded in 2015 by three esteemed Rhône Valley figures: Nicolas Jaboulet, Guillaume Sorrel, and Alexandre Caso. Their partnership combines deep-rooted expertise and a shared passion for the Northern Rhône's viticultural heritage. The Crozes-Hermitage appellation, established in 1937, is the largest in the Northern Rhône, situated on the left bank of the Rhône River between the Hermitage and Saint-Joseph appellations. Viticulture in this region dates back to Roman times, with the name "Crozes" deriving from the Latin "crucem," meaning "cross" or "crossroads," and "Hermitage" from "heremitagium," meaning "hermitage."

Vineyard & Winemaking: The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage is crafted exclusively from Syrah grapes sourced from vineyards located in both the northern and southern areas of the appellation. The terroir features sandy-clay soils covered in pebbles, providing optimal conditions for Syrah cultivation. Traditional viticultural methods that respect the terroir are employed, encouraging biodiversity and allowing some centenary vine stocks to continue producing high-quality fruit. The 2020 vintage experienced a return to a classic "Northern Rhône" style, following the more Mediterranean vintages of 2018 and 2019. Harvesting began on August 19 for whites and continued with reds until September 16, conducted during the cooler early morning hours to preserve grape freshness. Initial tastings revealed aromatic wines of great freshness, with alcohol levels rarely exceeding 13.5%.