2021 Crozes Hermitage Les Meysonniers

The 2021 Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers comes from a mix of terroirs and was brought up mostly in concrete tanks. It has a juicy, classic Northern Rhône bouquet of black raspberries and wild strawberries as well as some sappy flower and peppery, gamey nuances. This is a medium-bodied, elegant, easygoing Crozes to drink over the coming couple of years. This was another fabulous tasting with Michel Chapoutier and his team, and it continues to be one of the highlight tastings I do in a year. The portfolio is massive, so there’s certainly something in here for everyone. Looking at the 2021s, I was able to retaste a handful of the flagship whites, and these appear to have shut down slightly. I wouldn’t touch bottles for another 3-5 years. The reds are leaner and focused, but balanced, and certainly impeccably made. However, the 2022s continue to trend here, starting around 2017 or 2018, toward fresher, lighter wines, both with the reds and whites. In addition, they’re all experimenting with whole cluster fermentations, which works beautifully in the wines I was able to taste.

Vinified from fully destemmed grapes and raised primarily in concrete tanks, the 2021 Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers is fairly straightforward. Shy red fruits and leafy undertones compose the aromatic profile. Although offering a little more substance than the Petite Ruche from the same vintage, the 2021 Les Meysonniers fails to make a lasting impression.

Certified organic by AB France. 100% Marsanne. Fermented and matured in stainless-steel tanks on the fine lees for seven to eight months. Tasted blind. Smoky, nutty notes on the nose. The palate is quite light, with pear and almond. Good, fresh acidity and a relatively short finish. (AC)