Crozes Hermitage Sens, Laurent Fayolle 2024

The reds of Crozes-Hermitage, in the Northern Rhône Valley, are made from Syrah and loved for their smooth texture, rich fruitiness, and the perfect mix of elegance and depth. This one, from Domaine Fayolle is a good case in point, it has a deep, inviting colour, with aromas of blackberry jam and subtle hints of roasted meat that draw you in. On the palate, it's nicely dry, with ripe tannins that melt into a smooth, velvety feel. Not overly heavy, it still packs a punch, with great presence and a long finish. The gentle touch of oak adds a bit of extra complexity and class.

Very versatile it, pairs well with meaty dishes from shepherd’s pie to Beef Wellington, thanks to its rich fruitiness, smooth texture, and balanced tannins that enhance both hearty and delicate cuts of meat.

Domaine Laurent Fayolle is a small, family run estate in the village of Gervans that sits on the banks of the Rhône just north of Tain l’Hermitage. It's run by Laurent Fayolle and his sister Céline and they have 13 hectares of organically farmed vines mainly in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation from where they produce their excellent range of reds and whites. They recently upgraded their winery and are now able to move wines by gravity which is more environmentally sustainable and friendlier to the maturing wines.