Cave de Clairmont, Immanence, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, 2010

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Discreet damson nose, quite gamey. Fairly rich, rounded, plump, and juicy, but also a bit extracted and hard on the finish. But there’s no lack of fruit and the tannins may soften with time. Quite long.

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Resinous rather stewed nose; behind that bitter chocolate and Parma violets. Palate is very broad and generous of disposition, its tannins yielding skillfully to the ripe fruit character and the elegant mineral acidity; a pleasing interplay of Cavalier and Roundhead, here we have a wine with discipline and flamboyance in equal measure.

Tasting: Crozes-Hermitage 2010

Gourmand style aroma, with a pong of reduction, dead animal, so decant this. Red berry, mulberry fruit at heart. Definite high elements on the palate, again decomposed matter surrounds the raspberry, prune flavour. Needs multiple decanting. Has body, as they say. Casseroles and stews, big flavoured foods with this.