2012 Crozes Hermitage Vieilles Vignes
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Tasting notes
(made from vines that are reportedly over 60 years old, all from granitic soils at Larnage, Mercurol and Battis; all new Troncais and Allier oak): Bright purple. Expressive aromas of cassis, game and peppery spices, with a hint of vanilla gaining power with air. Supple and round on the palate, with an exotic, oak-spiced quality to its dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors. Finishes with dusty tannins and very good length, leaving a smoky mineral note behind.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Crozes Hermitage Vieilles Vignes comes from 50-60-year-old vines, from steep granite soils, and was aged in 20% new French oak. Medium to full-bodied, fresh and long, it offers up textbook Northern Rhone aromas of blackberry, spice and smoked meats. It should be an outstanding bottle of wine and drink nicely for 8-10 years. Proprietor Michel Tardieu makes a bevy of high-class efforts from throughout the entire Rhone Valley. While the focus here is on his Northern Rhone releases, I reviewed a number of his Southern Rhone bottlings in Issues 209 and 210. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661
Already sold out. 60-year-old vines from a relatively new supplier. Blueish purple but not that deep. Great freshness and silkiness. More intensity than many Crozes. Richer, sweeter fruit with less obvious black pepper and dryness/leanness than many. Needs time. (JR)