Crozes Ermitage, Les Varonniers, Maison M. Chapoutier 2018

Always one of the top Crozes-Hermitage out there (although the case could be made that it's more Hermitage than Crozes), the 2018 Crozes-Ermitage Les Varonniers has a liqueur of rocks-like character as well as gorgeous blue fruits, violets, earth, and bouquet garni aromas and flavors. I'd unquestionably guess Hermitage in a blind lineup. This full-bodied beauty has a seamless texture, ample tannins, and a great finish. It's pure class and the finest Crozes Hermitage out there in 2018. It's a stunning value that readers should snatch up!

The 2018 Crozes-Ermitage Les Varonniers is another Hermitage look-alike with extraordinary notes of blackcurrants, toasted spice, new saddle leather, burning embers, and bacon fat. With full-bodied richness, awesome depth of fruit, and building tannins, it will mostly likely be the wine of the vintage from Crozes Hermitage.