The 2010 Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Louis Belle exhibits a dense purple color as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel and lots of blueberry, blackberry, spring flower, incense and camphor characteristics. Full-bodied and already strutting its stuff, it is accessible now, but probably will not hit its peak for another 2-3 years. It should evolve for 10-15 years. This has long been one of my favorite estates since I first tasted their wines with importer Robert Kacher nearly thirty years ago. While there are only tiny quantities of the Hermitage, it is consistently a fine offering from this family-owned domaine. The 2010s follow the same stylistic tendencies of the 2011s as well as the 2009s. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 239-1275

Very dark hue. Elegant nose gradually unfurling tones of black fruits and spices. A dense, powerful wine on the palate with ripe, well-integrated tannins. The black fruit, spice and olive aromas recur. A distinctive style with real ageability.