Coming from 55-year-old vines and aged one-third in new oak, the 2011 Crozes Hermitage Rouvre is 100% Syrah and comes all from the southern part of the appellation. Deeper and richer than the classic cuvee, it offers medium to full-bodied richness, fine tannin and plenty of texture to go with black raspberry, spice, leather and hints of crushed flowers. Still with some oak to integrate, yet beautifully fresh and very drinkable, it should continue to shine for another 7-8 years, if not longer. Former rugby player turned winemaker (and still a rugby coach), proprietor Yann Chave owns just over four acres in Hermitage, mostly located in the Beaume lieu-dit, and close to 40 acres in Crozes Hermitage. Releasing his first vintage in 1996, he is another of the up and coming producers that warrant serious attention. Chave’s Hermitage comes 80% from le Beaume lieu-dit, and 20% from Peleat, both of which are on the more eastern side of Hermitage hill and comprised mostly of calcareous, loess and sandy soils. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800