Also a good effort, the 2012 Crozes Hermitage Haut D’Eole is a blend of mostly Marsanne, with a small part Roussanne, aged 9 months in 15% new French oak. Buttered apples, white currants, chalk and hints of flowers all emerge from this medium-bodied, supple and nicely textured white. Finishing clean and dry, it too is a solid drinker. 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