Cuvée Louis Belle is named in honor of Albert Belle's father, Louis, who passed down the family vineyards in the 1970s. Made entirely from Syrah (Shiraz) grapes grown in organic vineyards in Larnage and Crozes-Hermitage, the vines thrive in clay and limestone soils and yield a low 30 hl/ha. Viticulture involves careful pruning and leaf thinning to maximize sun exposure for the grapes. Hand-harvested, the grapes are partially destemmed and fermented with native yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with daily pump-overs and punch-downs. After a final warm maceration following four weeks of fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels—15% new, and the rest split evenly between one, two, and three-year-old barrels.

The wine exudes aromas of fruit liqueurs, cocoa, dark fruit, and sweet spices, with secondary notes of tobacco, peat, vanilla, clove, and coffee. The palate is rich and juicy yet refined, with smooth tannins and a lingering finish. Over time, the black fruit and sweet spice characteristics become more pronounced.

Winery: Domaine Belle

Varietal(s): Syrah

Size: 750mL

Country: France

State: Rhone

Region: Crozes-Hermitage

Vintage: 2019

Alc/Vol: 13%

Closure Type: Cork

Drinking Window: 2021-2035