1996 Tardieu-Laurent Crozes-Hermitage Vieilles Vignes

(France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage)

Good syrah. Inky purple wine, almost black. Nose of blood, leather, white pepper, and cranberry. Leather, iron, black pepper, cranberry and citrus (yes, citrus) dominate the attack. The midpalate is a little hollow with only the iron and citrus carrying it through to a very posteriorly-located cranberry finish that comes on in a wave about 5 seconds after swallowing. I was a little disappointed in this showing, but I wouldn’t kick it out of bed.

88 Points.