Le Vieux Murier 'Les Saviaux' Crozes-Hermitage 2022
Red, medium-to-full-bodied. Made in a contemporary yet respectful style that emphasizes fruit purity and terroir over heavy extraction. · Le Vieux Murier (Florian Buit). Florian Buit is a talented young winemaker based in Mercurol, representing the fourth generation of his family as grape growers, but among the first to bottle under the family estate. Known as a rising star in the Northern Rhône, his reputation is built on precision, finesse, and a commitment to sustainable viticulture (HVE3 certified).
Vintage: 2022. A very warm and dry year in the Rhône Valley. Despite the heat, the 2022 Northern Rhône reds are showing surprising freshness, deep concentration, and ripe tannins. It is considered a high-quality vintage for those who prefer more solar, fruit-forward expressions.
Type
Red, medium-to-full-bodied. Made in a contemporary yet respectful style that emphasizes fruit purity and terroir over heavy extraction.
Producer
Le Vieux Murier (Florian Buit). Florian Buit is a talented young winemaker based in Mercurol, representing the fourth generation of his family as grape growers, but among the first to bottle under the family estate. Known as a rising star in the Northern Rhône, his reputation is built on precision, finesse, and a commitment to sustainable viticulture (HVE3 certified).
Country
France. As the heartland of the Syrah grape, France's appellation system (AOP) ensures strict quality controls. The Northern Rhône is globally significant for producing the most elegant and savory expressions of Syrah in a cool-to-moderate continental climate.
Vintage
2022. A very warm and dry year in the Rhône Valley. Despite the heat, the 2022 Northern Rhône reds are showing surprising freshness, deep concentration, and ripe tannins. It is considered a high-quality vintage for those who prefer more solar, fruit-forward expressions.
Region & Appellation
Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage AOC. Crozes-Hermitage is the largest appellation in the northern Rhône, surrounding the prestigious hill of Hermitage. It is revered for its approachable yet complex Syrah which balances fruit and spice.
Grape Varieties
100% Syrah. In this region, Syrah expresses characteristics of dark berries, violet florals, and black pepper. The vines for 'Les Saviaux' are grown in stony, glacial-alluvial soils which add a distinct mineral edge.
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby-purple with a bright magenta rim. The wine shows excellent clarity and high viscosity, indicating a healthy concentration and a ripeness typical of the 2022 solar vintage.
Aroma Profile
Intense and expressive nose featuring primary notes of smashed blackberries, wild blueberries, and fresh violets. Secondary notes include hints of black pepper, tapenade, and a touch of smoked meat or bacon fat.
Tasting Notes
The palate is generous and fleshy but guided by a core of vibrant acidity. It entry is silken with flavors of dark plums and licorice, leading to a spicy mid-palate of crushed granite and herbs. The finish is long and clean with a refreshing mineral snap.
Flavor Profile
Dense layers of black cherry, crème de cassis, and bramble fruit. These are complemented by savory notes of olive, clove, and a distinct graphite minerality that persists from the middle to the back of the palate.
Body & Texture
Medium-plus body with a supple, velvety texture. While the wine has substantial weight, it lacks the 'heavy' feeling of southern reds, maintaining a northern lift and mouth-watering silkiness.
Acidity & Tannins
High acidity provides excellent structure and freshness. The tannins are mature, fine-grained, and well-integrated, providing a firm but not aggressive grip that promises good mid-term aging.
Sweetness Level
Dry (Bone Dry). The perceived sweetness comes purely from the ripeness of the fruit and the 2022 sun, with very low residual sugar (typically <2g/L).
Alcohol Content
Approximately 13.5% to 14%. This is typical for a warm vintage in Crozes-Hermitage, providing enough warmth to support the fruit without feeling 'hot' or alcoholic on the finish.
Aging & Oak
Aged for approximately 12 months. The estate typically uses a mix of stainless steel tanks and older French oak foudres or demi-muids to preserve the 'Les Saviaux' terroir and avoid masking the fruit with heavy vanilla or toast.
Food Pairings
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, venison stew, grilled Portobello mushrooms with balsamic glaze, or a traditional magret de canard. It also pairs excellently with aged hard cheeses like Comté.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-17°C (61-63°F). Use a large-bowled Syrah or Bordeaux glass. Decanting for 30-60 minutes is recommended to allow the aromatic profile to fully open up and soften the youthful tannins.
Price Range
Approximately $25 - $40 USD. It represents an exceptional value within the Northern Rhône, offering 'mini-Hermitage' quality at a fraction of the price of the neighboring prestige hill.
Quality Assessment
91-93 points. This is a super-premium Crozes-Hermitage that punches above its weight class. It is highly consistent and showcases the modern shift toward elegance and purity in the region.
Production Methods
Sustainable viticulture (HVE3). Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted. Fermentation usually occurs with a portion of whole clusters (depending on the vintage) to add aromatic lift and structure, followed by gentle pressing.
Terroir
Clay and limestone soils covered with galets roulés (rounded stones). The 'Les Saviaux' parcel benefits from good drainage and heat retention from the stones, leading to excellent phenolic ripeness.
History & Heritage
The name 'Le Vieux Murier' (The Old Mulberry Tree) refers to the ancient trees on the family estate. Florian Buit has quickly modernized the family business, transitioning from selling grapes to local negociants to crafting world-class estate-bottled wines.
Interesting Facts
The label features a stylized illustration of an old tree, which is a direct reference to the mulberry trees that give the estate its name. These trees were historically used for silkworm cultivation in the Rhône Valley.
Cellaring Potential
Excellent potential. While approachable now due to the 2022 fruit profile, it will hit its peak maturity in 3 to 7 years (2025–2029) and can be enjoyed comfortably for a decade if stored properly.
Similar Wines
Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage, Domaine Combier 'Clos des Grives', or Natacha Chave 'Aléofane'. Also comparable to cooler-climate Syrahs from the Sonoma Coast or Yarra Valley.