M. Chapoutier : Sicamor 2021

An ample and well-rounded Crozes-Hermitage with notes of dark cherries, mixed berries, dried herbs, smoke and black pepper. Medium body with great volume and control. Crisp and bright. Very low alcohol at 12.5% yet it has character and poise. It has some inky character on the palate and a succulent finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

Aged in old demi-muids for 12 months then 6 months in concrete vats. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Youthful nose with dark berry and spice. Firm tannins and dark fruits with a slight char. When the tannins integrate should provide short-term drinking pleasure – simple. (AC)

The fairly reductive 2021 Crozes-Hermitage Sicamor exhibits moderately intense red fruits and leafy undertones. Although offering a seamless mouthfeel and good freshness, the 2021 lacks in both substance and character–no need to put this one down for extended bottle-maturation.

The 2021 Crozes-Hermitage Sicamor comes from three different regions of Crozes and is a solid, round, nicely textured, medium-bodied effort that does well in the vintage, offering pretty red and black fruits, pepper, and sappy flower-like aromas and flavors. It's up-front and ready to go.