Domaine de la Ville Rouge, Inspiration, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, 2010

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Discreet mentholly nose, though not green. Sleek, textured, concentrated yet has charm, firm but not tough tannins, and sufficient acidity to lift the palate. There’s admirable freshness and a long, refined finish.

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Dark robe, nose of forest floor and gentle spice. The palate combines dark fruit with pepper and hints of earth and tapeneade; the tannins, generally, are too strident at this juncture, but there is a good chance that they will soften in time and the black fruit at the wine’s core wil be allowed full eloquent expression.

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Holding back bouquet, reduction present, with marked darkness of fruit, tobacco and a date, prune fruit style. Gourmand style debut to the palate, without restraint. Builds up into an assertive, intense pocket of tar at the finish. A wine with life in it, definite gusto. Drinks solo OK. Grills, outdoor events for this. Crisp aftertaste.