Laurent Habrard 'Valérie' AOC Crozes-Hermitage Rouge

Laurent Habrard Crozes‑Hermitage Valérie 2016 opens with deep, expressive aromas of black cherry, blackberry compote, and blueberry, layered with violet, cracked black pepper, and a subtle smoked‑meat note that reflects both the vintage’s ripeness and the domaine’s classic northern Rhône style. The palate is supple yet structured, delivering concentrated dark‑berry fruit framed by fine, velvety tannins and a lively thread of acidity that keeps the wine fresh and lifted. Notes of olive tapenade, graphite, dried herbs, and warm spice build across the mid‑palate, adding savory complexity without overwhelming the wine’s elegant, fruit‑driven core. The finish is long, peppery, and quietly mineral, showcasing a Crozes‑Hermitage that balances generosity with finesse—2016’s warmth shaped into something poised and beautifully composed.