A young domaine, founded only in 2001 with a mere 1.5 hectares of rented land, it has now grown to 14 hectares, which includes the legendary Bernard Faurie’s old land in St.Joseph. Emmanuel Darnaud is the son of a viticulteur, and Faurie’s son-in-law, and he is seen as a conspicuous talent in an area not short of rising – and risen – stars. He produces three bottlings in Crozes, each of them markedly respectful of their terroirs, and characterised by a seductive bouquet, and a beguiling clarity of bright, sweet blackcurrant, olive tapenade and violet scented fruit.

The ‘Mise en Bouche’ comes from a parcel of youngish vines, all under 25 years, with the wine aged in old oak demi-muids and a proportion of used barriques. It is marked by a deep colour, bright notes of blackberry, blackcurrant and black pepper, with great clarity and freshness on the palate, and a beautiful, round fleshiness, whilst the ‘Trois Chênes’ comes from vines that range from 25 years old to parcels that were planted in the mid-1950s, with some maturation in young oak. There is more purple and blue in the colour, and a combination of richly substantial, ripe tannins and beguiling delicacy. Should it be drunk now it will require the bold use of the decanter – 24 hours will do no harm – or cellar for between 3 and 15 years. The St.Joseph, from Faurie’s 1.5 hectares of old Syrah vines, the most venerable of them dating from the late 1930s, is deep, powerful and rich, with fine tannins, excellent balance and tension, with a distinctive lick of black pepper at the end.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

EMMANUEL DARNAUD Crozes Hermitage

Single

6 +

2015  CROZES-HERMITAGE ‘Mise en Bouche’

20.95

19.40

2015  CROZES-HERMITAGE ‘Les Trois Chênes’

24.95

22.50

2012  SAINT JOSEPH

37.95

34.50

________________________________________________________________________________________________