La Prieuré d'Arras Crozes-Hermitage Syrah

Medium ruby medium plus intensity aromas of red cherry, cherry hard candy, pomegranate, red and black plum, chaparral, thyme, dry earth; dry, medium plus acid, medium rustic tannins, medium alcohol, medium body, medium plus intensity flavors consistent with aromas; lovely and balanced

Deep ruby; medium intensity aromas of red currant, blackberry, black cherry, damp earth, potting soil, cinnamon, crushed gravel; dry, medium acid, medium tannins, medium alcohol, medium body, medium intensity flavors of red currant, tart blackberry, hard green peach flesh, wet earth, wet leaves, baking spices, Greek yogurt on finish; medium finish, fruit a bit underripe, tons of mineral, very good

Over the course of three days open this evolved; smokey, silky, ending savory. Great QPR..

All the good Syrah stuff: black olives, incense, wild herbs, bay laurel, cumin and sautéed game livers. Shockingly fine and complex Syrah from an appellation that’s been totally debased.

Open and pour a small sample. Put the cork back in and have the next day with Rajat Parr’s braised lamb shanks. This needs a tomato and wine based lamb stew to shine. SS

Blood-soaked bramble fruit. Nice tension between stoic typicity and inviting freshness.

Just crack some black pepper up your nose instead

Game, Blood, Dirt, Pepper -- Standard & Soulful Crozes

Take your pepper mill and crank that thing into a glass and then stick your nose in there. That sums this up. Blue and black fruit with great acidity and structure.

Makes me want some bacon!