A beautiful showing from what's certainly one of the top examples of this appellation, the 1996 Crozes Hermitage les Varonniers is 100% Syrah that comes from a cool, pure granite terroir located just behind Hermitage Hill. Its deep ruby color is followed by terrific Granite-induced aromas of damp earth, crushed rocks, smoke and hints of meatiness. Medium to full-bodied, rich, nicely concentrated and balanced, it’s fully mature, yet should easily keep for another decade. This has to easily be one of the most impressive, age-worthy Crozes Hermitage made today.