The 2019 Crozes Hermitage is a relatively structured offering for this appellation, but it balances those firm tannins with notes of cracked pepper, fresh blueberries and a bit of salted licorice. Drink it over the next five years or so.

Fairly bursting with blueberries and raspberries, the 2017 Crozes Hermitage is a medium-bodied, lush, easy-drinking Syrah to gulp down over the next several years. There's just enough of a tannic backbone to think it will be adequate with grilled burgers but enough suppleness that you can happily drink it on its own.

The team at Vidal Fleury has raised their game in recent vintages, and the 2016 Crozes Hermitage is a fine example, boasting perfumed, floral aromas, peppery spice and lush cherry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, with a creamy mouthfeel that turns to elegant notions of silk on the long, harmonious finish.

I loved the 2015 Crozes Hermitage and it shows how good this vintage was for the appellation (and the whole Northern Rh?ne actually). Notes of ripe blackberries, iron, graphite and peppery herbs all give way to full-bodied, thick and unctuous 2015 that has ripe tannin and a great finish. It will keep for a decade.