Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2021 Rhone

A family domaine in the heart of Crozes-Hermitage since the 1970s, current winemaker Yann continues his parent's legacy of fine, aromatic Syrah from an appellation that can be very up and down since its ill-fated expansion in 1952. An idiosyncratic approach to winemaking sees Yann harvest later than his neighbours for full ripeness of the grape skins, yet the wine is fermented and matured solely in stainless steel to retain the juicy, brambly fruit. Lovely scents of black peppercorns, violets, cherries and dark fruit, with finely worked tannins in a relatively cool vintage.