2019 Rousset Crozes Hermitage Picaudieres

This is what I would dub the flagship bottling of the estate, from the steep and secluded oasis known as les Picaudières. John Livingstone Learmonth regularly refers to this as one of the best Crozes wines made in the entire appellation, and scored this the highest he has ever scored the Picaudières, just behind the 2016 (4.5 vs 5 stars). This is an exceptional wine of substance and value, that any red wine loving person will likely adore. The 2019 is packed and stacked, for both early pleasure and long ageing…..My note on the 2016: it is once again a knockout success in precision, poise, and muscly 100+ year old vine depth, representing the very best of the finessed and moderate 2016 vintage. This could serve as an exhibit A of Northern Rhone Syrah classicism, and I have every confidence that this will be a long lived and tremendous bottle to follow. Its commanding palate presence is built on its other-than-fruit stuffing, the old vine substance is undeniably driving the show. Do not pass this up…..BRAVO STÉPHANE! A little * awarded here.

“Very dark; the aroma is bright, has a real upbeat line of mixed red and black berries, is racy and fulfilling, raspberry and rose also on the premises. The palate has gusto, lively fruit on springs, is energetic, keeps iron and length, holds real good structure, is based on surprising freshness, good definition in the red fruit, a true Northern Rhône, and the red fruit of its place within Crozes. This has lovely potential, is Rock n’Roll wine with structure at the same time as the fun and games. “It’s floral, fresh, on red fruits,” Stéphane Rousset. 20-25 years Feb 2020” Four and a half stars, John Livingstone Learmonth for this 2019

“Inky violet. A complex, highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, candied flowers and exotic spices, and a smoky mineral element builds in the glass. Palate-staining cassis, bitter cherry and salty olive flavors turn sweeter and spicier on the back half. Blends power and finesse with a sure hand and finishes very long and focused, with fine-grained tannins coming in late.” 93 Josh Raynolds for the 2017 (the last vintage he has reviewed), NOT THE 2019 OFFERED HERE

“Dark red, black tints. This has a great bouquet, a real buzzy tone to it, smoky bacon, cool black berry fruits, Indian tea, lead pencil. The palate gives a rocky fissure stream of black fruits with stylish, cool elegance, and extremely refined fruits. It lengthens with a serene, poised display of cool fruits. This is a long way ahead of most of the southern plain sector Crozes wines. It’s right up there with the noble granite wines of the right bank. Total STGT wine here, an ace in the pack. 13°. 4,000 b. From mid-2019. 2027-29 Nov 2017” Five Stars John Livingstone Learmonth

“Deep ruby. Expressive red and blue fruit, cola and Indian spice aromas, joined by a sexy potpourri quality as the wine opens up. Sweet, energetic blueberry and cherry flavors show excellent clarity and spicy lift, picking up a smoky mineral nuance on the back half. Delivers a serious punch of sappy dark fruit but comes off surprisingly lithe and finishes with impressive, mineral-driven persistence.” 92 Josh Raynolds