2016 Crozes Hermitage Domaine Roure
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Tasting notes
From granite soils, the 2016 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Roure offers a searing nose of white pepper, crushed rocks, graphite, and hints of cassis and black cherries. Just screaming granite, it's medium-bodied, silky, and refined on the palate, with integrated acidity, a layered texture, and a great finish. It has the balanced and purity to drink nicely today but will age for 15-20 years. The big news at this benchmark estate is the loss of winemaker Jacques Desvernois to Domaine Guigal. At the time of my tasting with Caroline Frey, there was no replacement, so it will be interesting to see who comes on board. They will certainly have big shoes to fill. Nevertheless, the estate has been on an incredible roll, with their sensational 2015s last year, and now two strong vintages with their 2016s and 2017s.
Critic scores
Average Score
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
A mini Hermitage from granite slopes in the commune of Gervans, the 2016 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Roure is outstanding. Deep plum and black olive notes mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is supple, velvety and rich. This beauty shows wonderful harmony and savoriness, turning silky on the long finish.
(raised in 20% new oak) Brilliant purple. Powerful, mineral-accented red and dark berry preserve, Asian spice, incense and floral pastille aromas show excellent clarity and pick up a minerally nuance with air. Silky, densely packed and incisive on the palate, offering intense Chambord, boysenberry and spicecake flavors given spine and lift by a vein of juicy acidity. Finishes extremely floral and impressively long, displaying resonating spiciness and smooth, harmonious tannins.
Overt oak spices on the nose. Dark blackcurrant fruit and pepper on the palate with plenty of tannic grip offset by fresh, lively acidity. (RH)