Domaine du Murinais Vieilles Vignes AOP Crozes Hermitage, 2020

In my view, Crozes-Hermitage in the northern Rhône is somewhat underrated. Situated on the eastern bank of the Rhône, it is quite a large area producing mainly red wines from the Syrah grape: the slopes and warmer sites can produce excellent wines. Luc Tardy has 17 hectares in the commune of Beaumont-Monteux. The 48-54 year-old vines are farmed organically. His 2020 has ripe and cooked cherry fruit aromas with a touch of creosote, smoke and black olive. It is supple and round, at the same time quite restrained with a fine texture and lingering bitter cherry finish. The wine was matured in 3- to 5-year-old casks with the oak harmoniously integrated with the concentrated fruit.