Rivaling the 2015, if not even better (time will tell), the 2018 Crozes-Hermitage Cuvée Louis Belle is a rock star of a Crozes-Hermitage, revealing a dense purple color as well as fabulous crème de cassis and blackberry fruits interwoven with peppered beef, violets, new leather, and flowers. The real deal, it's concentrated and full-bodied, with wonderful tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. It has a pure, polished, almost modern edge, yet it brings plenty of background meaty, bloody, black olive notes with time in the glass and is pure Crozes-Hermitage gold. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years.

Glass-staining, ruby color. Ripe, spice-accented mulberry, cherry, licorice and floral scents are enlivened by a suggestion of spicy cracked pepper. Ample, weighty in style and juicy, but this shows no lack of energy to its black and blue fruit flavors, olive and smoky bacon flavors, which pick up a hint of smokiness on the back half. Finishes long and broad, with well-knit tannins and an echo of dark fruit preserves.