Description
Deeply rooted in Crozes-Hermitage, the Robin family has cultivated grapes for four generations, beginning with a modest 1.27-hectare plot acquired by Gilles’ great-grandfather, Louis Pasquion, in 1920. For decades, the harvest was primarily sold to the local cooperative in Tain l’Hermitage. However, a turning point came in 1996 when Gilles took the reins from his father, Michel. He steered the estate in a bold new direction, bottling the very first wines under the Gilles Robin label. Thirty vintages later, Gilles is widely celebrated as one of the region’s premier producers.
What began as a 10-hectare estate focused almost entirely on Crozes-Hermitage has since expanded to 22 hectares. Today, the domain boasts prime parcels in Hermitage, Cornas, St-Joseph, and St-Péray, alongside their historic original vineyards. The estate’s vines now average over 40 years of age; combined with meticulous vineyard management, they yield wines of exceptional concentration and complexity. This dedication to the land culminated in a shift to organic viticulture in 2012, and the estate is now fully certified organic.
In the cellar, Gilles favors a gentle, patient approach. Extractions are slow, often lasting 20 days or more, followed by 12 to 24 months of maturation in a thoughtful mix of barriques, demi-muids (with less than 20% new oak), and clay amphorae.
About this wine: Gilles describes the 2024 vintage of this wine as ‘more Burgundy in style’ with softer, finely textured tannins making it very approachable and enjoyable young. Mostly from 3.5 ha of old vines (~70 years old), on red and brown clay soils in Les Chassis with a small parcel from Les Chênes Verts nearby. Fermented with 30 % whole bunches, with extraction by remontage (pump-over) and pigeage (foot treading) over 20 days. Matured for 12 months in a mix of 70 % barrique (30 % new) and 30 % amphora. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Notes from the winery: The Crozes-Hermitage Rouge Albéric is made from old vines, approximately 70 years old , sourced from the Domaine’s prime terroirs. This blend of fine Syrah grapes brings a touch of femininity and spicy aromas. A rustic character is also present, with ripe fruit and well-integrated tannins .
This Syrah blend will, after a few years of aging, produce a rich and balanced vintage.
The Albéric cuvée is harvested both mechanically and manually. Extraction is carried out by pumping over and punching down to respect the grapes. Vinification lasts 20 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks , then continues in barrels (30% of which are new) for a period of 12 to 14 months
“This vintage was first produced in 1996. It pays homage to my grandfather, Albéric Bouvet, who passed on his passion for wine to me. He had selected several high-quality terroirs within the appellation. Today, my work lies in revealing the different characteristics of Syrah. Each terroir plays a crucial role in the expression of our grape variety. The art of the winemaker lies in sublimating the potential of each plot through masterful blending. Depth, power, and aromatic complexity. Our wines showcase the full spectrum of Syrah thanks to distinctive terroirs and rigorous blending.” Gilles Robin
90 points, Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Media “Aged for 12 months in a combination of French oak barriques and Italian clay amphorae, the 2024 Crozes-Hermitage Albéric emerges beautifully, opening with ripe red cherry, red plum, fresh violets and a dash of pepper. Midweighted, energetic and peppy, the focused 2024 comes off the palate with attractive length on the savoury finish.”
RRP $81 Our Special Price $70.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
