The most backward and oaky of these offerings is the 2010 Crozes-Hermitage Les Hauts de Fief. While tannic, it also possesses Bordeaux-like notes of cedarwood, loamy soil, black currants and vanillin. This attractive, medium-bodied Crozes will benefit from 1-2 more years of cellaring. It should drink well for 6-8 years.
This cooperative located on the outskirts of the village of Tain l’Hermitage is one of France’s finest coops, producing some of the Northern Rhone’s most astonishing wines. They are reviewed below in the order in which I tasted them. I was knocked-out by the quality of their two cuvees of 2010 Hermitage. The Crozes-Hermitage selections are very strong in 2010 and above average to good in 2011. The 2010s rachet up the level of richness and intensity. The St.-Joseph cuvees are all strong efforts.
No known American importer.