Cave de Tain, Les Hauts du Fief, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, 2010

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Gently herbaceous nose, mocha. Supple, indeed a bit soft, quite concentrated but lacks pep, slightly grippy tannins that should harmonise in time. Not bad but it’s underwhelming and rather flat despite the tannins. It lacks freshness.

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Powerful, oak-dominated nose, carried to the palate; supported by coulis and cassis, a very plump opulent and somewhat decadant example; now it is over the top, but in time the ensemble will take on a dignified middle-age and the wisdom of a well-travelled dotage.

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

High tone note within its black fruit aroma, a smoked, coffee aspect also. Oak-lined palate here, the fruit has some style, but the oak-charcoal affect is forceful. There is matter, gras inside the wine to work with its vigorous oaking, but the race is a tight one. Not a wine to drink young.