Crozes-Hermitage Rouge Les Hauts du Fief 2009 - Cave de Tain

Crozes-Hermitage Rouge Les Hauts du Fief 2009 - Cave de Tain

91/100 Wine Spectator

When to drink this wine: A mature wine.

Tasted by James Molesworth: "A ripe red, with dark, seductive roasted fig, espresso and warm blackberry fruit that manages to stay fresh and racy through to the finish, where hints of liquorice and roasted apple wood add length and definition. Drink now." 

- Geographical location: Northern Côtes du Rhône, left bank of the Rhône

- Grape variety: Syrah

- Terroir : Granite in the north, fluvio-glacial alluvium and terraces of rolled pebbles from the Rhône in the southern part. Some loess veneers.

- Climate: Continental with Mediterranean influence.

- Vinification: Selections of old vines vinified separately until the final blending where only the most perfect selections are kept. De-stemming and crushing of the harvest. Traditional vinification in small stainless steel or concrete tanks. Fermentation temperatures are controlled around 28°C to preserve the intrinsic qualities of the fruit. Long vatting period of 3 weeks with an increase in temperature around 30°C to complete the extraction of the aromas and colour. Pigeage and pumping over according to tasting for a soft and adapted extraction. 

- Ageing: In wooden vats (10%), in new 400L barrels (32%), 1 wine (17%), 2 wines (14%) and 3 wines (27%) on fine lees for 15 months. Malolactic fermentation in wood. malolactic fermentation in wood.

- Tasting notes : Colour : Intense and brilliant black red. Powerful and complex aromas of ripe black fruits, morello cherry, sweet spices and bitter cocoa. Palate: Round with silky and velvety tannins. The typical aromas of Syrah are expressed with finesse: ripe black fruits and spices (pepper). The finish is long, full and remarkably balanced.

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