The 2004 Crozes-Hermitage Le Grand Courtil has sweet and sour cherry notes, a dark ruby/purple color, some of the vintage’s austerity and tart acids, but good underlying texture and moderate tannin. This should drink nicely for 5-6 years. Michel Chapoutier remains fully in charge of the wines of Ferraton, and that has meant additional emphasis on terroir, purity of fruit as well as earlier bottling to preserve the wine’s character. Like all of the Chapoutier wines, Chapoutier is adamant about farming vineyards biodynamically or, in the case of wines that are negociant blends, purchasing the wine from organic or biodynamically farmed estates. Importer: A French Paradox, Peoria, IL; tel. (309) 682-8994