Etienne Becheras Crozes-Hermitage 'Le Prieure d'Arras' Rouge, Rhone, France 2023

A supremely crafted Crozes-Hermitage showing a tamed currant-and-cassis core lifted by lavender, purple flowers, and clear, shimmering terroir. The palate is supple and smooth, with an intoxicating, aromatic nose. The organically farmed, polycultural domaine—surrounded by cherry and apricot trees, ash and acacia, mushrooms and truffles—draws fruit from very old vines overlooking Mercurol. Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and fermented for three weeks, then aged 18 months in demi-muids (400–600 L). Unfined and unfiltered, this is Crozes-Hermitage at its purest.