Notes of blackcurrants, cassis, olive tapenade, graphite and liquid rock-like characteristics all emerge from the 2015 Crozes-Hermitage Lieu Dit Les Pichères. This cuvée comes all from more sedimentary soils, was destemmed, and brought up mostly in barrel. Deep, full-bodied, plump and sexy, with gorgeous richness and an expansive texture, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and is going to drink nicely for 10-15 years.

This is a prime example of why 2015 is such a great vintage in the Northern Rhône. The 2015 Crozes Hermitage Lieu-Dit Les Pichères boasts an amazing nose of violets, cracked pepper and blueberries that has to be experienced to be believed. Yet it's also dense and richly tannic on the palate, with a level of concentration that approaches that of some Hermitages, and there are lingering notes of asphalt and black olives. Wow! -Joe Czerwinski

Ripe, juicy and still a bit compact, though the core of boysenberry, blackberry and black cherry paste flavors should unwind soon enough. There's ample brambly grip, but this is well-integrated, with a lively anise edge bolstering the finish. Best from 2018 through 2023. 800 cases made.–JM