Cave de Tain Héritiers Gambert Nobles Rives Crozes-Hermitage 2018 (Rhône) - Wine Review

After enjoying the 2015 Cave de Tain Grand Classique Crozes-Hermitage a couple of years ago, tonight's red wine review is another lovely Syrah from the same producer that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago, as part of the June 26th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Cave de Tain was founded in 1933 by Louis Gambert de Loche on the Hermitage slope in northern Rhône. It is a large co-operative and unique in that they own all of their 1,000 hectares of vineyards. These vineyards are spread across the five prestigious appellations of northern Rhône, making Cave de Tain the leading producer of cru wines in the region. Cave de Tain is also a pioneer in sustainable winegrowing and conservation of their unique grape varieties. Today, four generations of growers have contributed to the craftsmanship of terroir-driven wines of Cave de Tain using the latest, cutting-edge tools.

This 100% Syrah was grown on Cave de Tain's primary vineyard, on the left bank of the northern Rhône, on its two emblematic soil types - granite and galets which are small surface stones. Most of the grapes come from alluvial terraces with rolled pebbles (galets) from the Rhône River, along with some loess soils. The climate here is continental with a Mediterranean influence. The grapes were completely de-stemmed prior to gentle fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel and/or concrete tanks. It was aged in vats (60%) for 6 to 11 months, while the remaining 40% of the was aged in 400 L oak barrels. In 2018, northern Rhône experienced a very hot and dry vintage, resulting in a plentiful and ripe crop. Let's see how this Syrah is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CAVE DE TAIN HÉRITIERS GAMBERT NOBLES RIVES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2018 - Sustainable, AC, Rhône, France (#572230) (XD) - $25.95
This excellent, sustainably crafted Syrah has fresh, intense, and complex aromas of dark berry, blackberry, black cherry, smoke, black pepper spice, herbs, and meaty notes with a savoury, earthy core. Some pretty floral aromas with time in the glass. It's medium-full bodied on the structured palate with very good concentration. Lovely black pepper, blackberry, dark cherry, and herbal flavours that turn savoury, meaty, smoky, and minerally on the mid-palate. It's supported by fresh, balanced acidity and fine-grained tannins that have a some structure and grip. Savoury, stony mineral, and coffee notes linger on the very long finish. Wow. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Other fine wines from Cave de Tain can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.