Dark violet color. Pungent cherry and blackberry on the fragrant nose, along with hints of black pepper, olive and baking spices. Appealingly sweet and pliant in texture, offering energetic red and dark berry, star anise and candied violet flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Smooth tannins frame a long, spicy finish that strongly echoes the dark berry note. -- Josh Raynolds

This is a polished Crozes, the red fruit spiced and smoothed by time spent in oak barrels and held firm and fresh in the wine’s tannic structure. Tense and youthful, this is approachable now but better left in the cellar for a couple of years.

The only one of the 2019 reds to have been bottled at the time of my visit, the 2019 Crozes Hermitage is a super effort, and it should represent a terrific value (the 2018 sells for about $30). Hints of violets accent blueberries and cassis on the nose in this full-bodied, concentrated offering. Rich, velvety and a bit tannic, it's an impressive négoce bottling.