2009 Domaine Habrard, Crozes-Hermitage AC, Rhone Red, France.
Laurent Habrard’s beautiful Crozes Blanc and Rouge are now available in the States and are a worthy collection to explore, especially this 2009 Crozes-Hermitage Rouge that Return to Terroir is importing to our shores. The 2009 Habrard Crozes is a wonderfully textured Syrah with loads of terroir and character and best of all, at a great price for such a detailed and lovely wine. The nose is deep with earth, spice, flowers and fruit essences leading to a beautiful palate of violets, pepper, game, truffle and round fruit with blueberry, black cherry and boysenberry while hints of hot bricks, plum sauce and kirsch linger in the background. The chalky minerals and herbs cut a nice path mid palate, but the finish brings the fruit back to the fore and the balance is suburb.
($26 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive