Black olive and dark loam aromas appear on the nose of the 2019 Crozes Hermitage les Hauts du Fief. It largely shows off the positive aspects of the vintage, sacrificing a bit of aromatic fireworks in favor of power, concentration and richness. Full-bodied and expansive on the palate, it finishes long and velvety.

A selection of top parcels, the 2018 Crozes Hermitage les Hauts du Fief aged exclusively in wood, with about one-third new oak. Vanilla and cedar mingle harmoniously on the nose with blueberries and cassis, while the medium to full-bodied palate is ripe and smooth. The wood notes take over the finish to the detriment of nuance, but despite the generous application of oak, this is an attractive effort that should drink well for 5 to 6 years.

The 2017 Crozes Hermitage les Hauts du Fief shows some leathery and slightly medicinal-herbal overtones. Dark-fruited and plummy, it's medium to full-bodied, turning a bit firm and tannic on the finish. Drink it over the next few years.

A more widely available blend, the 2015 Crozes Hermitage les Hauts du Fief is full-bodied and slightly warm. Leathery and meaty notes accent super ripe plummy fruit, finishing with firm tannins and a bit of licorice.

The 2014s are certainly high quality and are perfect for drinking while you wait on the 2015s to get a touch of bottle age. This co-op continues to impress, even in difficult vintages, and the 2014 Crozes Hermitage les Hauts Du Fief is a rich, chewy effort that has plenty of fruit, lots of blackberry, black raspberry, wood spice and peppery herbs, medium body and a good finish. It's a solid, thoroughly enjoyable wine to drink over the coming 7-8 years.