The honeyed pear and citrus-scented 2020 Crozes Hermitage Les Hauts d'Eole is a shining example of the appellation, boasting ample weight and richness, but balancing that with structure and freshness. It's medium to full-bodied, round and ripe, yet features a bright beam of acidity and salinity that forms the core of the wine and lingers on the finish. Drink this Marsanne-dominated blend over the next few years.

The importance of drinking these wines in their youth cannot be overstated. The 2019 Crozes Hermitage Les Hauts d'Eole easily outperforms its 2018 sibling, offering up more intensity and freshness. Pencil shavings accent bold tangerine, pear and melon notes in this 70-30 Marsanne-Roussanne blend that's drawn from the northern portion of the appellation. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky and plump in feel, yet refreshing and citrusy on the finish without being at all edgy. Drink this zaftig wine over the next year or so.

From 45-year-old vines in the north of the appellation, the 2018 Crozes Hermitage Les Hauts d'Eole is a 70-30 blend of Marsanne and Roussanne that was fermented in tank, then aged in used 400-liter barrels. Subtle notes of cedar shavings appear on the nose, adding a bit of nuance to the pineapple, pear and melon fruit. Medium to full-bodied, this cuvée shows a cooler, more citrusy note on the palate than the Nobles Rives with more definition and length on the finish. I'd still drink it young.

A bit darker hued, the 2017 Crozes Hermitage Les Hauts d'Eole is 100% Marsanne aged in 400-liter barrels of varying ages. Toasted marshmallow and grilled melon notes testify to the oak treatment, but this plump, medium to full-bodied wine remains engaging and fresh from start to finish.

The 2016 Crozes Hermitage Les Hauts d'Eole is a barrel-fermented (in demi-muids) and -aged Marsanne from loess sites. This medium to full-bodied wine is endowed with nutty-buttery notes, hints of honey and citrus and a broad, mouth-coating finish.