Gilles Robin Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Papillon 2023 Esthers Malvasia & Ortrugo grapes

Malvasia & Ortrugo grapes

and sandalwood layering beneath the fruit

and this is Volnay with a spine

creamy cheeses

the palate is delicately bitter with soft spices and black pepper

Gilles Robin Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Papillon 2023 Esthers Malvasia & Ortrugo grapesGilles Robin started his domaine in 1996 by planting Syrah on Les Chassis, the stony, sun warmed river terrace that is the best land on the southern side of Crozes Hermitage. Papillon comes from those vines, and it sees no oak at all aged entirely in tank, which is the entire point. Nothing is allowed to stand between you and the fruit, so this is Northern Rhone Syrah in its most direct form: violets, plum and cracked black pepper with a savory, olive