Cuilleron Crozes-Hermitage Laya
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Two hectares of syrah vines are situated south of the Tain l’Hermitage commune, on the plot “Malfondièr.” Laya is an old name district of Tain l’Hermitage.
- The deep soil here is very stony, sandy loam on the surface then sandy clay.
- Organic, Eco-friendly farming. No insecticides are used.
Varietal Composition: 100% Syrah
Elaboration: The vines are planted in high-density planting (8,000-10,000 vines per hectares) with natural cover cropping to avoid erosion. No insecticides, with respect of soil and vine balance, are used. Treatments are limited (depending on weather and the necessary) with a small amount of organic-only fertilizer applied. Precise control of vigor and yields is maintained through leaf-thinning and green harvesting to promote grape ripening. Disbudding is in the spring.
The grapes are handpicked, then sorted, crushed and totally destemmed in the cellar. Fermentation is in open top, temperature-controlled vats for about three weeks, with regular cap-punching and pumping-over. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in vats with native yeasts and malolactic fermentation is in barrels. Maturation is 16 months in barrels.
Cuilleron Crozes Hermitage Laya can be enjoyed young, but also laid down for a decade or so.
Tasting Notes: Nose of red fruits, delicate floral aromas. Mouth supple, balanced, greedy and crunchy. Pretty freshness wine for fine tannins.
PRESS
2019 – 92 Vinous
2020 – 93 Vinous
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Cuilleron Estates is a producer in the northern Rhône. The estate has been in the Cuilleron family for three generations, but it is the estate’s current owner and winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, who has expanded the size, scope, and scale of the vineyard, land holdings, and winery.