M. Chapoutier Crozes Hermitage Les Meysonniers 2023

M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers 2023 is a pure Syrah from 25+ year-old vines, capturing the generous fruit and peppery elegance that make the northern Rhône so sought after. It offers a wonderfully accessible expression of Crozes-Hermitage, balancing juicy freshness with real depth and seriousness. Once a lesser-known neighbor to the famed Hermitage hill, Crozes-Hermitage has earned its own reputation, and Les Meysonniers is one of the cuvées that helped put it firmly on the map.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Les Meysonniers 2023 shows a deep ruby-purple color with bright, youthful highlights at the rim. The nose is immediately inviting, driven by pure Syrah character: blackberries, crushed blackcurrants and cherries, layered with violets, black pepper, licorice and a touch of smoked meat and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with vibrant, Rhône-style energy. Ripe dark fruits are framed by fresh acidity and finely grained tannins, giving both juiciness and structure. Notes of black olive tapenade, graphite and a subtle savory, meaty nuance emerge with air, leading into a long, peppery finish. Enjoyable in its youth for its generous fruit and aromatic lift, this 2023 vintage will comfortably evolve over the next 5–8 years, gaining complexity and a more velvety texture.

Production
Les Meysonniers is sourced from organically and biodynamically farmed Syrah vines at least 25 years old, rooted in the varied terroirs of Crozes-Hermitage—primarily pebbly alluvial soils and loess over clay, with patches of decomposed granite that echo nearby Hermitage. The climate is continental with Rhône influences, benefiting from warm days, cool nights and the cleansing Mistral wind, which helps maintain healthy, concentrated fruit. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, largely by hand, to allow careful selection in the vineyard. Vinification typically involves destemming, followed by traditional fermentation in concrete or stainless-steel vats with regular gentle extraction to preserve fruit purity and fine tannins. The wine is then aged in a combination of vats and, in part, older oak, to refine texture while keeping oak influence discreet and letting the terroir and Syrah character shine.

Food & Serving
This Crozes-Hermitage is a versatile partner at the table, pairing beautifully with grilled lamb chops, roast duck, charcuterie, rosemary-marinated chicken, or hearty dishes such as beef stew and braised short ribs. It also works well with mushroom-based dishes, lentil casseroles and aged hard cheeses like Comté or Manchego. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F). For optimal expression, especially in its first few years, give the wine a quick decant of 30–45 minutes to soften the tannins and allow the floral and spicy aromatics to open fully.

Producer
M. Chapoutier is one of the most respected and influential producers in the Rhône Valley, with roots in the region dating back to 1808. Based in Tain-l’Hermitage, just across from the legendary Hermitage hill, the estate has become synonymous with high-quality Syrah and meticulous, terroir-driven winemaking. Under Michel Chapoutier’s leadership, the domaine was a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the Rhône and is renowned for its single-vineyard wines, detailed labels (including Braille) and commitment to expressing the individuality of each parcel. Today, M. Chapoutier is considered a benchmark producer for both Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage, and Les Meysonniers stands as one of the estate’s key references for approachable yet authentic northern Rhône Syrah.