Crozes-Hermitage 2023: Report and top-scoring wines
More successful than the 2021s, more consistent than the 2022s, Crozes-Hermitage produced enjoyable reds and a lot of good white wines in 2023.
It was a challenging vintage in Crozes-Hermitage, but the results are considerably better than for the disastrous 2021s.
It’s also stylistically more consistent than the varied 2022s. Alcohols are fairly moderate, and levels of tannin and acidity are also quite low; they typically have a herbal freshness, with just-ripe blackberry and raspberry flavours.
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Some are dilute and lacking depth; others have an enjoyable drinkability. Either way, it’s a vintage to drink young.
Whites are better than reds, they have freshness, balance and bright fruit.
Gifted winemakers with good terroirs really rose to the top this year, but very few were overoaked or faulty in any way.
Lots of good-value whites to choose from this year.
Rhône 2023 full report and top-scoring wines
Key Crozes-Hermitage producers in 2023
- Domaine Delhome
- Domaine les 4 Vents
- Domaine Gaylord Machon
- Domaine Laurent Fayolle
- Domaine Marc Sorrel
- Domaine Melody
- Domaine Vendome
- Domaine Yann Chave
Best-value Crozes-Hermitage wines in 2023
- Domaine Delhome, Loess, Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2023
- Domaine Gaylord Machon, Ghany, Crozes-Hermitage 2023
- Domaine Melody, Etoile Noire, Crozes-Hermitage 2023
Under-the-radar Crozes-Hermitage producers in 2023
- Domaine Delhome
- Domaine Gaylord Machon
- Domaine les 4 Vents
Northern Rhône 2023: The connoisseur’s guide
Southern Rhône 2023: The connoisseur’s guide
Compare vintages: See our coverage of Crozes-Hermitage from previous years
Crozes-Hermitage 2022: Report and top-scoring wines
Crozes-Hermitage 2021: Report and top-scoring wines
Crozes-Hermitage 2020: Report and top-scoring wines
Top-scoring Crozes-Hermitage wines in 2023:
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Domaine Les 4 Vents, La Rage, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France, 2023
This is a peculiar style. It has power and length, with smoky bacon on the nose, then it's quite energetic on the palate, finishing taut...
2023
Domaine Les 4 VentsCrozes-Hermitage
Domaine Delhome, Loess, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France, 2023
A classic, well-balanced example of white Crozes, with freshness, acidity and intensity of flavour. It doesn't have excess body, oak or sweetness. Everything is in...
2023
Domaine DelhomeCrozes-Hermitage
Domaine Laurent Fayolle, Les Pontaix Blanc, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France, 2023
This has a peculiar aroma, a bit like burnt corn or smoky bacon. It's enjoyably tight and taut on the palate. Fresh and energetic, this...
2023
Domaine Laurent FayolleCrozes-Hermitage
Domaine Marc Sorrel, Blanc, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France, 2023
Lovely freshness, with almonds and honeysuckle. This is full, rich and generous in body but measured in alcohol, slightly warm. It's a very ripe style...
2023
Domaine Marc SorrelCrozes-Hermitage
Domaine Melody, L'Exception, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France, 2023
Spicy lime notes on the nose, like lime pickle. Limey acidity too, with a touch of oak spice running through the palate into the finish....
2023
Domaine MelodyCrozes-Hermitage
Domaine Vendome, Les Bruclas, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France, 2023
Appealing meadow flowers and fresh pear scents, with a lightly honeyed nose. It's medium-bodied, with good flavour concentration and acidity, which makes for a well-balanced,...
2023
Domaine VendomeCrozes-Hermitage
Domaine Yann Chave, Le Rouvre, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France, 2023
Currently this is very reductive, with strong sage and smoke aromas – they do dissipate with air however. It's smooth on the palate, ripe and juicy,...
2023
Domaine Yann ChaveCrozes-Hermitage
Domaine Gaylord Machon, Ghany, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France, 2023
I love the liquorice, raspberry and sage notes on this wine. On the palate it's compact, with tight tannins and good acidity. Refreshing and very...
2023
Domaine Gaylord MachonCrozes-Hermitage
Domaine Gaylord Machon, Lhony, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France, 2023
This has some smoky reduction over the spicy raspberry fruit. It has good acidity, with some length. No great ripeness, but this is fresh and...
2023
Domaine Gaylord MachonCrozes-Hermitage
Domaine Melody, Etoile Noire, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France, 2023
The oak work is prominent for now, but not excessive – it just needs some time to fully integrate. It does lend the wine a...
2023
Domaine MelodyCrozes-Hermitage
