Etienne Pochon is the refined, slightly reserved owner in the eastern end of Crozes. He used to sell his grapes to one of the local co-operatives, but now makes his own wines from better-than-average fruit. Pochon oversees all elements of production, ensuring that the wine shows all the soft, fragrant plentiful fruit that has gone into it and this ripe and fruity wine shows he was right to go it alone.
Presentation
Presentation
Along with a handful of other growers, the rather reserved Etienne Pochon has been instrumental in improving the quality and the image of Crozes-Hermitage and is producing some of the region’s finest and most elegant wines.
Terroir
The soils, made up of quaternary gravel, are poorly fertile and sloping.
This Crozes-Hermitage is on the best-exposed parcel of the vineyard, facing south on the hillside.
Average age of vines: 40 years.
This Crozes-Hermitage is on the best-exposed parcel of the vineyard, facing south on the hillside.
Average age of vines: 40 years.
Winemaking
Hand-picked grapes, only vines over 15 years old are used. Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats (33°) with regular pumping-over. Use of selected yeast for ageing.
Ageing
Aged in new barrels or first or second wine barrels for 11 months.
Varietal
Syrah : 100%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14,5 % vol.
GM : No.
Contains sulphites. Does not contain egg or egg products. Does not contain milk or milk-based products.
Advice
Serving
16°C / 61°F
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
Luscious black-plum and berry notes are slightly baked and raisinated in this plush Syrah. Soft acidity and feathery tannins accentuate its round, ripe style. The finish is juicy and uncomplicated.
Food pairings
Spicy dish or complemented with a fruity or jammy element in a dish. Meat in sauce, game, truffles
Reviews
"Etienne crafts very elegant and surprisingly long-lived Crozes that should be typical of the appellation (...). Etienne vinifies plot by plot from hillside sites, the best of which are separated for some aging in oak barriques. Our last trip out there, however, revealed just how gracefully the red can age. We tasted a charming 1989 that was ‘as fresh as a daisy’, boasting aromas of violet and luscious flavors of sweet blackcurrant."
