Hints of black olive wind around and through the blackberry and cherry core of the 2020 Crozes Hermitage. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and ripe, with a velvety feel and ample length, this is a fine example of the appellation.

Blessed with layers of black olives, blueberries and cassis, David and Florent Viale's 2019 Crozes Hermitage is a sleekly proportioned beauty. It's medium to full-bodied, boasts ample concentration, a rich, silky mouthfeel and a long, softly tannic finish. As Crozes go, it should be reasonably long-lived.

Still in barrel at the time of my visit, the 2018 Crozes Hermitage looks stunning and should be a terrific value if not affected by punitive U.S. tariffs. One parcel (about 40% of the blend) was full-bodied, dark and savory, loaded with asphalt and black olives, but also showing hints of cherries and mocha, while the other parcel (60% of the blend) was fresher and brighter, with blueberries and peppery spice. They should complement each other nicely.

The 2017 Crozes Hermitage offers up typical Syrah notes of road tar, black olives and black cherries. It's full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, with ample flavor, depth and length, especially for an entry-level Crozes.

The medium-bodied 2016 Crozes Hermitage is a supple, easy-drinking Syrah that should be consumed over the next 5-6 years. It shows peppery, earthy aromas, plummy, dark-fruit flavors and lovely baking-spice notes on the lingering finish.