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.

The 2019 Crozes-Hermitage is a spicy, complex, incredibly satisfying Crozes with textbook darker berry fruits as well as notes of peppery herbs, violets, and loamy earth. The tannins are nicely integrated and perfectly ripe, and it's going to evolve gracefully for a decade.

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.

A perfumed style, with silky-edged red currant and Damson notes flecked with sandalwood, white pepper and sanguine hints that then linger prettily on the dusty finish. Drink now through 2025. 2,500 cases imported.