Saint-Clair Crozes-Hermitage “Fleur Enchantée” 2023

Denis Basset produces delicious all-Syrah red wine in Crozes-Hermitage, the modest close relation of the superstar appellations of Hermitage, Côte Rôtie and Cornas. Happily, the pricing is decidedly also modest, and over a decade or so Domaine Saint Clair has developed a loyal following among friends of Ansonia Wines. As you have heard us say before, the greatest expression of any grape comes at the northern end of its range, which explains the Northern Rhône where Syrah makes superb reds without an assist from Grenache or other red grapes from farther South.

Saint Clair’s old vine cuvée is called “Fleur Enchantée.” It is more serious and ageworthy than Étincelle and raised entirely in oak barrels. The 2023 Fleur Enchantée is delicious, with plenty of density and concentration. There’s a touch of menthol mingling with the fruit, and at 13% alcohol the balance of the wine is perfect. You can start sampling this right away, but over the next year or so it will add some velvet in the mouth and complexity in the nose.