Domaine de Champal, Eric Rocher, Chaubayou, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, 2010

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Ripe gentle cherry nose. Quite rich and full, concentrated, firm tannins, a bit too grippy, but has drive and vigour. The tannins are quite raw now, but this needs time. There’s tension rather than finesse.

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Hints of oxidation of the nose, allied to raspberry coulis and white chocolate engender a sensation of a late-picked rather indulgent style; palate confirms this and is, paradoxically, somewhat lean and lacking just where the texture should be rich.

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Air of green acidity, herbaceous/vegetal on nose. Edgy acidity features on the palate, which is prone to dryness. Unconvincing fruit, has a plastic side to it. Lacks real flesh and welcome. Curls towards the finish.