M Chapoutier Les Meysonniers Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2021 750ml

M. Chapoutier Les Meysonniers Crozes-Hermitage 2021 is a classic Northern Rhône Syrah from one of Chapoutier's flagship village-level cuvées. Crozes-Hermitage lies just north of Hermitage, offering more approachable, earlier-drinking Syrah with vibrant fruit and peppery finesse rather than the massive power of its prestigious neighbor. "Les Meysonniers" comes from a selection of plots (often the southern and eastern parts of the appellation), organically farmed in line with Chapoutier's biodynamic philosophy.

Blend and Production

• 100% Syrah from Northern Rhône vineyards.
• The 2021 vintage was cooler and leaner in the Northern Rhône, emphasizing freshness, energy, and elegance over ripe power — a hallmark that shows in the wine's bright acidity and precise structure.
• Aged primarily in concrete tanks (around 85%) with a small portion in oak (about 15%), which preserves purity and adds subtle texture without heavy toast or vanilla. This results in a wine that's pure, crunchy, and food-friendly.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep purplish-ruby red, intense and bright.
• Nose: Fruity and aromatic with sour cherries, blueberries, black raspberries, red currants, violets/floral notes, black pepper, and subtle savory elements like smoke, dried herbs, crushed iron/graphite, or a hint of cured meat/earth.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with finely grained, silky tannins and lively acidity. Flavors of crunchy dark berries, wild berry, peppery spice, and savory undertones. It's described as delicate yet concentrated, harmonious, elegant, and precise — with a fresh, salivating finish that shows great energy and balance. Not overly tannic or heavy; it opens nicely with air.

Critics liked the 2021: 91 points James Suckling (fruity, delicate, precise with crunchy berries) and 90 points Wine Spectator (savory, gentle-styled with wild berry, smoked meat, white pepper, and floral perfume). It drinks well now through the early 2030s, though it can develop more complexity with a couple more years of bottle age.