After a mild winter and spring, conditions were perfect when everything changed on June 15th: a hailstorm destroyed a large part of the Crozes-Hermitage vines. Then we experienced a heatwave in the summer, one of the hottest of the decade, which caused some berries to burn. Our team’s efforts paid back fortunately and we managed to save part of the vineyard in great sanitary condition. And if Nature is sometimes harsh, it can also be generous. The harvest went perfectly well and although the quantities are limited, this vintage promises to be magnificent, despite a climatically and morally complicated year. The years in 9 regularly mark the memory of winegrowers and this vintage was no exception ruler.

The terroir comprises granite slopes to the north, similar to those in Hermitage, while the soil to the south is mainly alluvial with some terraces containing stones washed up by the Rhône. The vines are planted on slopes facing due south benefiting from the Mistral breeze. There is a great difference between the wines produced in the north or in the south of the appellation. Maison les Alexandrins’ Crozes-Hermitages mainly come from vines planted in the alluvial plain.

- Pre-fermentation cold maceration to develop the fruit.
- Maceration and fermentation for about 20 days with pumping over for the first few days and then punching down towards the end.
- Ageing in conical vats and demi-muids (60-litre capacity barrels) for 10 months.

This vintage reveals a pretty deep-purple colour. The nose is captivating and complex, it develops aromas of red fruit, spices and subtle smoky notes. The wine is perfectly balanced, and on the palate, the red fruit explodes evolving into notes of sour cherries and liquorice.