Crozes-Hermitage is the appellation that surrounds the legendary hill of Hermitage in the Northern Rhône — and while it may lack the prestige of its famous neighbour, in the hands of a producer like Yann Chave it produces Syrah of extraordinary quality and character. Chave is one of the appellation’s most respected names, farming his vineyards with meticulous care and letting the granite and clay soils of the Rhône do the talking. The 2020 is a beautiful vintage — one of the finest in the Northern Rhône for a generation — and it shows. The nose is expressive and complex, with dark blackcurrant, black olive, and a beguiling hint of mint and violet that is the hallmark of great Northern Rhône Syrah. On the palate it’s rich and generous, with velvety tannins, a lovely dark cassis core, and a fresh, mineral finish that gives it real elegance and length. Drink now or cellar for another five years and watch it become something truly special.