Crozes Hermitage, Yann Chave 2020

The deep red colour of this delicious Syrah gives a good indication of its characterful and complex nature. Ripe black fruits, liquorice and a spicy hint form the first impressions which, when combined with the rounded, sweet and supple tannins make for a really bold and well-structured wine. Aged partly in large oak foudres and partly in stainless steel it's bottled early to capture its essential freshness.

Drinking deliciously now, it will also age well for another four or five years. Full flavoured foods are the name of game here.

Yann Chave's highly regarded estate has been certified organic across its 20 hectares for over fifteen years. His vineyards are in the heart of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation and he also has 1.2 hectares of vines on the exclusive Hermitage hillside. Yann's viticultural emphasis is firmly on ripeness and finesse with grapes being harvested by hand as late as possible. In the winery, oak ageing is done in large 600 litre foudres which help develop the delicate oak character which is a hallmark of his wines.