2018 Domaine Belle Crozes Hermitage Roche Pierre (750ml) Pre-Arrival

"Philippe Belle and his son, Guillaume, continue to turn out some of Northern Rhône's best-kept secrets from their small estate in the hills behind Hermitage. Their Larnage sector of Crozes-Hermitage benefits from having a strong concentration of white clays, which imparts more power to the wines than the typical alluvial deposits found in much of the appellation. Additionally, their hillside has the same southerly exposure as Hermitage itself, making it in effect, a mini-Hermitage. The family also farms small parcels in Hermitage (Péléat for the white, Les Murets for the red) and Saint-Joseph." - Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate)

"Easily the equal to some Hermitages, Belle's 2018 Crozes Hermitage Roche Pierre comes from the estate's oldest Syrah vines, planted on granitic soils. It's aged in up to 40% new oak, but it has the fruit intensity and full-bodied richness to measure up. Crushed stone, pencil shavings and mocha notes accent blueberries, licorice and black olives in this impeccably balanced and complex offering." 94-96 points - Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate, Jan. 2020)