Both of the Crozes Hermitage are noteworthy. More up-front and fruit loaded, the medium-bodied, rich and textured 2011 Crozes Hermitage Haut du Fief is perfumed and complex aromatically, with sweet black raspberry, cassis, wild herbs and hints of spring flowers all emerging from the glass. Spending 13 months in 63% new French oak, it picks up some toasty, chocolaty notes with air, yet everything is nicely proportioned and it’s a joy to drink. Enjoy it over the coming 5- 7 years. I was blown away by this lineup, and it’s rare to find this level of consistent quality from a co-op. Part of the secret here is that, in addition to requiring long-term contracts, paying for the quality of the grapes and owning their own vineyards, they also operate a state of the art cellar that allows them to process just about any size lot they choose. This is a no-expense-spared operation and the results speak for themselves. Looking at the 2011s, all of the Hermitage releases are impressive and show the vintage nicely. Importer: OWS Imports, Karl Runge