Yves Cuilleron Crozes Hermitage Labaya Rhone French Red Wine 750 mL

Cuilleron Crozes Hermitage Rouge Labaya 2020

The Crozes Hermitage Laya comes from two hectares of vines from the “Malfondière” plot situated just south of Tain l’Hermitage. Laya is an old name district of Tain l’Hermitage. This is obviously all Syrah from deep, stony, sandy, loamy soils. The grapes are handpicked; and then sorted, crushed and partially destemmed in the cellar. Fermented in open top, temperature-controlled vats for about 3 weeks, with regular cap-punching and pumping-over. Alcoholic fermentation in vats with native yeasts and malolactic fermentation in barrels. The wine is then left to age for 16 months before bottling.

This is a juicy, full-bodied version of Crozes with high-toned red and black fruit notes. This is substantial wine with plenty of ripeness and acidity.

Review of 2018 Vintage: “Deep, bright-rimmed violet. Ripe, spice-tinged blackberry and cherry aromas pick up floral and succulent herb nuances as the wine opens up. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering gently sweet dark fruit flavors and a touch of candied violet. The spicy note recurs on a long, pliant finish that features even tannins and a strong cherry preserve flourish. 92 Points” – Josh Raynolds, vinous.com, Apr 2020