Gabriel Meffre Laurus Crozes-Hermitage 2019

A solid step up, the 2019 Crozes-Hermitage Laurus has a classic nose of ripe red and black fruits, smoked meat, ground pepper, and hints of leather. Beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, and loaded with character, this superb, spicy, complex Crozes-Hermitage will drink nicely for a decade. Maturity: 2022-2032. Score – 92. (jebdunnuck.com, Feb. 16, 2022)