At a glance

Producer

Domaine des Accoles

Region

France, Rhône Valley, Crozes-Hermitage

Grape variety

Syrah

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$35-$45

Tasting profile

Dark blackberry, black pepper, smoked meat, with hints of violet and garrigue herbs.

Evolution: Will evolve to more tertiary notes like leather, truffle, and spice over 5-10 years.

At peak: Complex, layered palate with balanced acidity, subtle oak integration, and lingering savory finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, balanced freshness

Tannins

Medium to firm, ripe and well-integrated

Alcohol

13.5%-14.0%

Aging potential

10-15 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2040

Optimal window

2024 to 2043

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

The 2021 vintage is starting to open up with vibrant dark fruit and pepper notes, though some tannins remain firm.

The 2021 vintage from Crozes-Hermitage is balanced with good acidity and ripe tannins, typical of Syrah from this terroir. Its structure supports medium-term aging potential, allowing flavor complexities to develop fully over 6-10 years from now.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, beef stew, roasted game birds, hearty vegetable dishes with herbs, aged cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and release aromatic complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Employs cover cropping, manual harvesting, limited herbicide usage, and water conservation measures. Uses lightweight glass bottles to reduce packaging footprint.

Domaine des Accoles emphasizes sustainable viticulture focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and reduced chemical inputs. Though lacking organic/biodynamic certification, the winery’s manual harvesting and water efficiency contribute positively to environmental impact. Packaging choices and regional distribution further help limit carbon emissions.