2016 Crozes Hermitage Rouge Equinoxe
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby. Lively cherry, blackberry, licorice and violet aromas are complemented by a spicy cracked pepper nuance. Fresh and energetic on the palate, offering smoke-tinged red/blue fruit and lavender pastille flavors complicated by a salty olive note. Finishes spicy and long, showing an echo of dark fruit and smooth tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Bottled under screw cap, the 2016 Crozes-Hermitage Equinoxe is a juicy, forward, delicious Syrah that offers lots of darker berry fruits, pepper, and assorted herbs. With medium-bodied richness, vibrant acidity and a clean finish, it's a no-brainer Syrah to buy by the case for drinking over the coming 4-5 years. These wines are made by Maxime Graillot, who manages the wines of Alain Graillot.
Fruit-forward and supple, this is what more wines from Crozes Hermitage should aspire to be. Tasted from tank, the 2016 Crozes Hermitage Equinoxe spent only five days on the skins to avoid overextraction, so it will provide cheerful, easy drinking over its first 5-8 years of life. Black cherries and black olives finish with a bit of licorice.
Raw, youthful black fruit on the nose, then charming meat and olive notes on the palate. Proper Syrah, with elegance and perfume and length. Another great-value buy for 2016 Rhônes. (RH)