Since 1781, Vidal-Fleury has been making Crozes-Hermitage, and the 2022 shows what that continuity can produce. Pure Syrah drawn from the granite terraces of the north and the stone-strewn soils farther south, it brings those two distinct corners of the appellation together with real depth, character, and a clear sense of place. In the cellar, the work stays measured. The grapes are hand-harvested, completely destemmed, and macerated for three weeks before aging for 12 months, 90% in stainless steel, just 10% in barrels, so the Syrah and the vineyards remain the focus. What you get is a Crozes-Hermitage with immediate appeal and the structure to age. Vidal-Fleury puts a 10- to 15-year window on the 2022, which means you can open a bottle now and still follow the rest for years. At $49.99, it is a clean way to taste Northern Rhône Syrah from one of the region’s longest-running houses.