Crozes Hermitage is a French wine region located in the Northern Rhone Valley. Crozes Hermitage produces nearly 70,000 hl of wine, which is more than the combined production of all seven of the additional Rhone regions. Most of Crozes Hermitage wines are red, with only about ten percent of production being Blanc. The Crozes Hermitage reds are mainly produced from Syrah, while the Blancs are produced from Marsanne and Roussane. Crozes Hermitage wines are commonly less complex than that of the Hermitage region due to the lush soil, which can inhibit the roots from extending and deepening, and therefore detract from grape growth. There is relatively low sunshine and little air currents in the Crozes Hermitage region, which can create a braised flavor in wine produced there. There are several different terroirs in Crozes Hermitage, which offers a wider selection of wines from which to choose. The Northern area has a granite bedrock, which can hold on to heat a bit longer and create a full and multifaceted style of wine. The Eastern area is more clay and limestone soils, while the area to the South has sandy, grainy soils. Because these areas don’t receive as much sunshine with more difficult soils, the wines produced there have less ability to age, but can be offered at a better value.
Fayolle Crozes-Hermitage Rouge Cuvee Nicolas is made from 100 percent Syrah.
Deep ruby red color. Nose of red and black currant fruits, pepper, spring flowers, new leather and mineral/earthy nuances. Medium bodied palate of red fruit and spice. Nice balance. Long finish and velvety.
Good match with red meat (beef, lams) or white meat (veal) in sauce, poultry and game meat. Perfect with most cheeses.
Fayolle Crozes-Hermitage Rouge La Rochette is made from 25-year-old vines planted on loess and red granitic soils. 100% Syrah.
Deep ruby red color.
The wine has plenty to offer with red and black fruit aromas, as well as a good minerality.
The finish is long, clean and juicy and offers some white pepper spiciness typical of the best Crozes-Hermitage.
Soil type is red brittle granite and white soil.
Hand harvested in small crates. The grapes are then pumped into tanks (full cluster, not destemmed).
It will stay in this tank for 15 days for the skin contact maceration and the Alcoholic fermentation.
They will also use the "rack and return" technique (delestage).
Then the wine is transfered into neutral French Oak barrels where the wine will complete the Malo-Lactic fermentation.
Louis Barruol describes the microclimate of the vineyard Malleval as “very cold” which allows the grapes to retain acidity and showcase the floral aromas of the local Sérine variety. Aromas and flavors of blackberries and wild strawberries are accented by notes of peppercorns, tobacco, peonies, and violets.
Syrah, with its deep flavors and firm tannins, is a natural match for grilled or smoked meat and dishes featuring herbs, roasted mushrooms, and onions. Seared venison or beef with black pepper and thyme or a Moroccan tagine of pigeon or chicken are complimented by the spicy characteristic of Syrah.
Review:
This rich and impeccably balanced Gigondas has everything we look for in the wines of this appellation. What a wide spectrum of aromas with everything from raspberry to candied orange, plus a slew of delicate spicy notes and fresh Mediterranean herbs. I love the interplay of richness, fine tannins and lively acidity on the generous, but not expansive palate. Very long, refined finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
-James Suckling 94 Points
Powerful, with steeped plum and cherry coulis merging with potpourri and charred garrigue on a ripe, lush palate. Packs a wall of iron that provides a ballast for the ripe fruit, while refined tannins build in intensity. Long and complex, with a gorgeous expression of place. Grenache, Mourve`dre, Syrah and Cinsault.
Wine Spectator 94 Points
THREADCOUNT A BOLD QUILT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
California is a winemaker's playground, home to an incredible range of vineyard sites—from fog-kissed coastal hills to sun-drenched valleys. But as prestige regions have risen to fame, so have their price tags, leaving wine lovers to choose between splurging or settling. With THREADCOUNT, we believe world-class Cabernet should be an everyday luxury.
That's why we created THREADCOUNT California Cabernet—a wine that captures the richness, diversity, and spirit of California at a price that over delivers. Sourced from a curated blend of the state's most renowned AVAs, this Cabernet unites coastal freshness with inland ripeness for a balanced, fruit-forward, and deeply satisfying expression.
As a cornerstone of our portfolio, THREADCOUNT California Cabernet stands on its own while also serving as a gateway to our Napa Valley Quilt collection. Whether you're new to Cabernet or a longtime fan, this wine delivers bold flavor, smooth structure, and the unmistakable character of California in every glass.
This inaugural Cabernet is meticulously handcrafted by Joe Wagner, a fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker with an unwavering passion for farming grapes and producing luxury wines. Joe embarked on his wine journey in 2001 at the age of nineteen. His enthusiasm and innate winemaking talent became evident swiftly when he established his acclaimed single vineyard Pinot Noir label, Belle Glos. Joe later introduced Napa Valley Quilt, which rapidly ascended to the ranks of top 10 luxury wines in just five vintages. THREADCOUNT serves as an extension of the Quilt winemaking style, adapted for more laid-back occasions.
WINEMAKER NOTES
We produce Cabernet from a myriad of California's most renowned regions to make this one-of-a-kind, highly versatile and prestigious varietal. After de-stemming the berries, the grapes are cryo-extracted, followed by a brief cold soak to soften the skins and finally led into a chilled fermentation to maximize extraction over a long period, often 60 days on skins. During fermentation, punch-downs and pump-over techniques were performed in a combination of closed and open-top stainless-steel fermenters in order to extract every bit of color and tannin mother nature gave us. The wines are aged in 50% new French oak for between 12-16 months. After the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, it was racked every 6 months before the final blend was complete. This Cabernet is intended to be a full-force expression on the palate, with abundant forward fruit, spice, and breadth —making it a perfect match for hearty meals or a quiet evening by the fire.
TASTING NOTES
COLOR: Dark ruby red. AROMA: Complex aromas of black cherry, wild raspberry, plum and toasty oak. PALATE: Rich and full-bodied, with dark berry fruit, toasty oak, smooth tannins, and a finish that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip. Beautifully rounded with an elegantly smooth finish accompanied by smooth tannins. Crafted for immediate enjoyment, but structured enough to age gracefully over a few years.
FOOD PAIRING: Pepper crusted pork chop and fingerling potatoes, lamb skewers or a pan seared chicken.