Slightly better, the 2011 Crozes Hermitage Haut D’Eole is a tweaked blend of 55% Marsanne and 45% Roussanne that saw just 7% new oak. Offering a beautiful, salty minerality, it continues to open in the glass and boasts outstanding notes of spiced apples, brioche and hints of toast to go with a medium-bodied, rich and impressively textured profile on the palate. Fresh, with good acidity, enjoy it over the coming 3-5 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