2015 Vincent Paris Crozes Hermitage Rouge, Northern Rhone

Vincent Paris Crozes Hermitage Rouge is a beautifully honest and terroir driven expression of northern Rhône Syrah, made in the stony, wind swept vineyards just outside the hill of Hermitage. These soils are a mix of granite, gravel and clay, giving Syrah both aromatic lift and a firm, savoury backbone. The climate is continental with strong mistral winds, which naturally reduce disease pressure and concentrate flavour, making this one of the most expressive corners of Crozes Hermitage.

Vincent Paris is a rising star of the northern Rhône, working with old vines and low yields, farming with care and minimal intervention. His style is about purity, freshness and site expression rather than heavy extraction or oak, allowing the Syrah to speak clearly of place.

In the glass, the wine shows dark cherry, blackberry and plum, layered with cracked pepper, violets, smoked meat and a hint of olive tapenade. The palate is medium bodied but firmly structured, with fine grained tannins and bright acidity giving energy and length. It is savoury, spicy and very drinkable, with the tension that makes northern Rhône Syrah so compelling.

This is a wonderful wine for food. Grilled lamb, roast chicken, charcuterie, mushroom dishes or anything cooked over fire will bring out its spice and depth.

Vincent Paris Crozes Hermitage Rouge drinks beautifully now for its freshness and perfume, but it will also develop more complexity over eight to twelve years, gaining earthy and leathery notes as it ages. It is a pure, regional expression of Syrah that delivers enormous character and charm.