Domaine Les Hauts Crozes de Mercurol, Crozes Hermitage 2016, Rhone, France

Tasting Note: Crozes Hermitage provides one of the most elegant expressions of Northern-Rhone syrah, and this bottle is a fitting treasure.

Deep-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of blackberry, red currant, raspberry puree, crushed violet blossom and bramble.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied syrah has medium-plus-intensity flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and ripe, well-integrated, medium-plus tannin.

The combination of aromatics and midpalate complexity create an evolving elixir in your glass that pleases.

Bottle Note: Domaine Les Hauts de Mercurol channels the unwavering strength of medieval history. The vines lay adjacent to the last standing vestige of a castle that stood in 1064. This 7 hectares vineyard, owned by Yves Cheron, is rooted in mineral-rich granite and alluvial soils. The vines range from 15 to 35 years of age are sustainably-farmed. This 100% syrah wine has aromatics of cracked pepper and black cherry. The palate is round, concentrated and full of silky tannins and classic syrah flavors. The finish is long and spice driven. Limited production.