Crozes-Hermitage 2018 Cuvée Louis Belle - Domaine Belle

Crozes-Hermitage 2018 Cuvée Louis Belle - Domaine Belle

(92 - 95)/100 Parker

Maturity: 2021 - 2030

By Joe Czerwinski in 2020: "The 2018 Crozes Hermitage Cuvee Louis Belle, which contains 30% new oak, displays notes of cedar, vanilla, sawdust and cooking spices. But the wood is supported by a full-bodied and rich wine, with concentrated notes of plum and liquorice that show through on the long finish".

Vineyards: In the communes of Larnage and Crozes-Hermitage

Grape variety: 100 % Syrah

Yield: 35hl/ha

Soil: clay and limestone (kaolin).

Viticulture: Organic manuring, reasoned use of natural phytosanitary treatments, close pruning, leaf thinning, green harvesting if necessary, harvesting by hand.

Vinification:  Traditional  in  temperature –controlled  stainless  steel  vats, partial de-stemming, daily pumping over and punching down, a final warm maceration, four-week fermentation with indigenous yeasts.

Ageing: Entirely  in  oak  barrels  for 18 months,  with 15%  new  barrels  and  the remainder divided equally between one-year old, two-year old and three-year old barrels.

Label: Wines from organic farming certified ECOCERT.