Vieille Julienne's much under appreciated and under the radar white Cotes du Rhone Lieu-Dit Clavin hails from a tiny 1.5ha plot on the very north of the vineyard and from the steepest plot, mixingVieille Julienne's much under appreciated and under the radar white Cotes du Rhone Lieu-Dit Clavin hails from a tiny 1.5ha plot on the very north of the vineyard and from the steepest plot, mixing marlstone and limestone soils which are very much evident in the wines. A blend of different classic Rhone varities that average some 65 years, 40% Grenache 30% Clairette 15% Bourblenc and the balance made up of Marsanne, Rossanne & Viognier. The 2020 has more texture than the 2019, a slightly longer cold soak perhaps, but has a lovely feel to it, stainless steel fermentation brings fresh bright notes, hawthhorn blossom, zippy fresh citrus notes and kept in play by just enough acidity to bring the minerality into balance, this puts many leading white Chateauneufs into context when you consider the price quality ratio and will give white Rhone lovers a real smile. L&S (Sept 2021)

This is a gloriously fragrant, complex and deep white. Aromas of ripe melon, williams pear, mango, camomile, fragrant herbs. Textural with perfumed fruit in the mouth, sleek, deep and succulent onThis is a gloriously fragrant, complex and deep white. Aromas of ripe melon, williams pear, mango, camomile, fragrant herbs. Textural with perfumed fruit in the mouth, sleek, deep and succulent on the finish.L&S (Apr 2022)

The Galopine is the top white from Escaravailles and opens with wild flowers, yellow plum, conference pear and chamomile. In the mouth the wine is textured with some complexing oak creaminess, stoneThe Galopine is the top white from Escaravailles and opens with wild flowers, yellow plum, conference pear and chamomile. In the mouth the wine is textured with some complexing oak creaminess, stone fruits once again, scented with delicate white flowers. The acidity is persistent and supports the weight of fruit, allowing the wine to build concentration on the finish. This would be lovely with some early game or meaty fish cooked with herbs. Drinking range: 2021 - 2025L&S (Mar 2021)

A blend of all the Lirac vineyards 50% Grenache & 50% Syrah, 100% stainless steel with a view to freshness, bright expressive nose of raspberry, a touch of sage coming through too, pepper and spiceA blend of all the Lirac vineyards 50% Grenache & 50% Syrah, 100% stainless steel with a view to freshness, bright expressive nose of raspberry, a touch of sage coming through too, pepper and spice coat the black fruits, balanced acidity, fresh with ripe tannin, good flow and will reward pairing with some hearty autumnal dishes.L&S (Sept 2021)

The more serious Reine de Bois reminds me of why Lirac is such a good go to wine for Rhone lovers looking to expand out of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Syrah dominates, with equal measures of Grenache &The more serious Reine de Bois reminds me of why Lirac is such a good go to wine for Rhone lovers looking to expand out of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Syrah dominates, with equal measures of Grenache & Mourvedre. A big deep purple colour in the glass, with a heady nose of dark black fruits, raspberry and blueberry infused, a touch of mineral coming through, the mouthfeel is quite soft for what feels like a bold full bodied red, ripe tannin, violets and garrigue in the background, great flow. Will need a little patience over the next 3-4 years but will reward handsomely those that do.L&S (Sept 2021)

Mainly Grenache, with splashes of Syrah, Mourvedre, Vaccarese & Counoise. Very bright and floral on the nose, violets and raspberry, redcurrant. The mouthfeel adds texture with dark fruits, theMainly Grenache, with splashes of Syrah, Mourvedre, Vaccarese & Counoise. Very bright and floral on the nose, violets and raspberry, redcurrant. The mouthfeel adds texture with dark fruits, the floral theme continues with hints of rose wrapped in dark fruits, black cherry, nice acidity lift on the finish, the oak is evident but this will integrate with time. A lovely early drinking Chateauneuf-du-Pape that will also age too.L&S (Sept 2021)

If you are looking for a Chateauneuf-du-Pape that ticks all the boxes in 2019, look no further than Mordoree's Reine des Bois, this has it all in spades. The nose was quite closed at first, butIf you are looking for a Chateauneuf-du-Pape that ticks all the boxes in 2019, look no further than Mordoree's Reine des Bois, this has it all in spades. The nose was quite closed at first, but opened up 30-40 mins later when I went back to it. The inky black fruits are saturated with ripe dark cherry, and smoked blueberry, licquorice spice and garrigue & wild sage, meaty but with baled plum, but it also has wonderful purity too, mocha & white pepper fade into the background of this considerable wine. I'd go so far as to say this isn't far off what you'd consider Chateuneuf perfection. L&S (Sept 2021)

2019 Côtes du Rhône Lieu-Dit Clavin, is from the northern most sector of the estate and falls just outside the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation boundary, not that any less care is taken in the2019 Côtes du Rhône Lieu-Dit Clavin, is from the northern most sector of the estate and falls just outside the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation boundary, not that any less care is taken in the winemaking process. 3 months in concrete, 18 months in foudre and another year in bottle before release, gives you a good indication of the high regard winemaker Jean-Paul Daumen has for the fruit that makes these Cotes du Rhône. The average age of the vineyards scattered around the estate is 80-100 years old, extraordinary value when you consider the price. The blend is as you would expect, Grenache dominant, but you get a real sense of southern Rhône Syrah spice in the wine too, 65% Grenache 15% Syrah, the balance being Cinsault, Mourvèdre & Cournoise. 'red fruits in abundance, liquorice and white pepper spice, a lovely feel to this, pure and very elegant, a lively juicy core of bramble fruits, all bound together skilfully with soft ripe tannis, hard to believe this is a humble Côtes du Rhône, this is a delight now but will easily repay a patient Rhône lover who can resist and come back in 8-10 years, sadly I am not one of those and won't be able to resist over the next 3-5 years' Organic & Biodynamic farming.L&S (Sept 2021)

2019 Chateauneuf-du-Pape les Trois Sources A blend of four different terraces on the lower slopes of this north facing estate. 65% Grenache 15% Syrah the balance from Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise,2019 Chateauneuf-du-Pape les Trois Sources A blend of four different terraces on the lower slopes of this north facing estate. 65% Grenache 15% Syrah the balance from Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise, Vacarese, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Grenache Blanc, Clairette & Bourblenc with vineyards planted from as early as 1920-1947 and an average age of 75 years. The vineyards here are very much sand dominated, with peebles and red clay too, but it is the sand that lends the finesse and structure. Winemaking without doing a dis service to the talents of Jean-Paul Daumen, is fairly straightforward, in general all fruit is destemmed with a 3 week concrete vinification and daily pump over, some cap punching, all natural yeasts, unfined and unfiltered and a tiny dollop of SO2 at the bottling stage, this is minimal intervention 'natural' winemaking as it can be. 2019 tasting note from tank 'Dark purple in colour, bright and fresh on the nose, redcurrant and cranberry, not singing on the nose but it explodes into life on the palette, raspberry, black cherry, mint, sage, garrigue, black olive and lots of mineral notes too, sweet fruits and immense concentration, certainly not extracted, lovely finesse here, tannins are high but will soften into focus in time, this is a great Chateauneuf in the making and will last 15+ years no problem and can be drinking in 6-8 years' Without doubt the best estate from 2 days of tasting, if it is purity and balance you want in your Chateauneuf, leave all the hot alcohol wines aside and have a look at this under the radar estate, they may not have the following and kudos of the perceived big names, but you can buy with confidence knowing that they certainly belong in the top 5.L&S (Sept 2021)

2019 Chateauneuf-du-Pape les Hauts Lieux From the highest sheltered terraces on the estate, a bit more pebble & quartz mixed in with the red clay & sand. Roughly half the production of Trois Sources2019 Chateauneuf-du-Pape les Hauts Lieux From the highest sheltered terraces on the estate, a bit more pebble & quartz mixed in with the red clay & sand. Roughly half the production of Trois Sources from a 4.5ha estate that feature Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Counoise with an average age of 70 years old. tasting note 'Much richer in colour, fresh and elegant with cranberry, raspberry and sweet violets, intense and floral but also tense and tightly packed, a bit of asian spice, cinammon & mineral notes, powerful yet refined. An absolute joy to drink and will provide great drinking pleasure to Chateauneuf lovers who prefer them powerful yet structured and elegant. L&S (Sept 2021)

Lastly, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Reserve is another magical wine, and I might have rated this cuvée a perfect score more than any other Southern Rhône. Unquestionably in the same realm as theLastly, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Reserve is another magical wine, and I might have rated this cuvée a perfect score more than any other Southern Rhône. Unquestionably in the same realm as the 2017, 2016, 2010, 2005, 2003, and 2001, it has an incredible, full-bodied, massive style that somehow stays perfectly balanced, with flawless integration of its fruit, tannins, acidity, and alcohol. Lots of red, blue, and black fruits, loamy earth, Asian spice, licorice, and violet nuances emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, building yet polished tannins, and a great, great finish. It’s a sexier, more opulent wine than the Les Hauts-Lieux release yet has the same perfect tannins that are so rare to find in the vintage. This required at least 4-5 years of bottle age and will drink brilliantly for 20-25+ years. Drinking range: 2025 - 2052 Rating: 100 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Nov 2021)

2019 Cotes du Rhone 'Antimagnes' 70% Grenache & 30% Syrah, this comes from the domaines elevated vineyards 350m, which gives the wine it's lovely freshness which isn't something that gets a lot of2019 Cotes du Rhone 'Antimagnes' 70% Grenache & 30% Syrah, this comes from the domaines elevated vineyards 350m, which gives the wine it's lovely freshness which isn't something that gets a lot of attention in the Southern Rhone, but it definitely works for Escaravailles. If you like a straight forward no nonsense easy going Cotes du Rhone to pair up with your mid week steak frites supper, then this is for you. Super bright, lovely and fresh but with a bit of depth too.L&S (Sept 2021)

2019 Rasteau Les Coteaux 80% Grenache 20% Syrah. The unique elevation of Escaravailles vineyards is yet again evident in this delicious cuvee, coming from lieu-dit 'Le Ratanaud' located 330-350m,2019 Rasteau Les Coteaux 80% Grenache 20% Syrah. The unique elevation of Escaravailles vineyards is yet again evident in this delicious cuvee, coming from lieu-dit 'Le Ratanaud' located 330-350m, later longer ripening lending that hallmark freshness that is so welcoming. Nothing complicated or over worked in the winemaking here, all the fruit is destemmed and vinified separately, the caps are punched down and pumping over and aged in concrete for 15 months prior to bottling. The wine has a very attractive core of bright sweet violets, raspberry and redcurrant, soft tannin with a good crunch of acidity, this is a wine that won't let you down, drink now and over the next 3-5 years.L&S (Sept 2021)

2019 Rasteau 'Heritage 1924' 100% Grenache from, as the name suggest a vineyard planted in 1924, some real old vine fruit. Totally destemmed and concrete fermentation and ageing. You don't need any2019 Rasteau 'Heritage 1924' 100% Grenache from, as the name suggest a vineyard planted in 1924, some real old vine fruit. Totally destemmed and concrete fermentation and ageing. You don't need any oak with this. It has such a purity of fruit that it just needs to be kept simple, the nose is bright and lifted, floral notes of violets with really bright raspberry, the lovely sweet fruit flows, this is generous and will make you smile, a joy to drink if like me you love the purity of Grenache. Enjoy now and over the next 5-8 years.L&S (Sept 2021)

2019 Rasteau Argilla ad Argillam 60%Grenache & 40% Syrah, destemmed and concrete fermentation, aged in Amphora for 9 months prior to bottling. I like the freshness here, the Grenache really sings,2019 Rasteau Argilla ad Argillam 60%Grenache & 40% Syrah, destemmed and concrete fermentation, aged in Amphora for 9 months prior to bottling. I like the freshness here, the Grenache really sings, bright and floral with raspberry, red cherry, the Syrah is in the background adding a deft touch of spice, maybe a hint of licquorice spice, also a hint of garrigue/rosemary, again this is so uncomplicated, a lovely example of of the vintage, that being purity and I think the amphora just gives it more drive and fresh flow.L&S (Sept 2021)

Sleek and fresh, with cassis and plum puree notes that shimmer prettily as they race through, lined with light lavender, dried anise and singed alder hints along the way. Showing nice range, this isSleek and fresh, with cassis and plum puree notes that shimmer prettily as they race through, lined with light lavender, dried anise and singed alder hints along the way. Showing nice range, this is approachable already, though there's no rush. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drinking range: 2021 - 2034 Rating: 93 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Nov 2021)

A ripe and juicy version, backed with good energy, this delivers a core of plum, blackberry and fig compote flavors that are accessible already, though the tarry spine and mulling spice–, black tea–A ripe and juicy version, backed with good energy, this delivers a core of plum, blackberry and fig compote flavors that are accessible already, though the tarry spine and mulling spice–, black tea– and licorice-filled finish is packed enough, so there's no rush. Offers gorgeous mouthfeel. Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drinking range: 2021 - 2038 Rating: 95 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Nov 2021)

A warm and inviting style, with a wave of cassis and cherry puree flavors infused with hints of red tea and flecks of garrigue and singed cedar. Stays sleek and focused through the finish, thanks toA warm and inviting style, with a wave of cassis and cherry puree flavors infused with hints of red tea and flecks of garrigue and singed cedar. Stays sleek and focused through the finish, thanks to very refined minerality. Rating: 94 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Nov 2021)

2019 Vacqueyras 50% Grenache 40% Syrah 10% Mourvedre. Deeep purple, saturated colour. Packed nose of dark fruits, smoked blueberry, mineral notes coming through, garrigue and scrub, sage, pepper and2019 Vacqueyras 50% Grenache 40% Syrah 10% Mourvedre. Deeep purple, saturated colour. Packed nose of dark fruits, smoked blueberry, mineral notes coming through, garrigue and scrub, sage, pepper and liquorice, all brought together in harmony with balanced acidity to keep it all fresh and purposeful. Will need a few years in the bottle to come into itself, a beauty.L&S (Oct 2021)

2019 Gigondas 75% Grenache 25% Syrah from north west facing vineyards at 350+ metres. Medium garnet in colour. Singing with bright sweet raspberry and redcurrant on the nose, a hint of pepper too.2019 Gigondas 75% Grenache 25% Syrah from north west facing vineyards at 350+ metres. Medium garnet in colour. Singing with bright sweet raspberry and redcurrant on the nose, a hint of pepper too. The soft sweet Grenache shines through, this is supple & elegant with jammy fruit (in a good way), plenty of youthful acidity to help it along, a touch of garrigue & licquorice, but still fresh. Textbook Gigondas, a lovely wine that will really reward patience. L&S (Oct 2021)

2019 Gigondas Font de Tonin 80% Grenache 20% Mourvedre from the foothills of the Dentelles at 350-500 metres benefitting from longer cooler ripening period, this is the best expression of the2019 Gigondas Font de Tonin 80% Grenache 20% Mourvedre from the foothills of the Dentelles at 350-500 metres benefitting from longer cooler ripening period, this is the best expression of the domaines vineyards plated in the early 1960's. Thierry follows whole bunch clusters in most vintages, believing that when the stalks are ripe they help balance the wine, add freshness and perhaps keeps the alcohol in check you'd have to agree that the wines do wear the alcohol well. Dark and concentrated, vibrant and juicy with redcurrant, roasted meats, sage & garrigue, white pepper and spice, explosive and energetic, a wine for the ages, incredible purity and power, fantastic, it has new oak evident but it is all in balance. A definite keeper, will drink really well in 5 - 8 years.L&S (Oct 2021)

Always a bold style, Romain imbues his wines with a deep fruitiness, blackberry, plum, earth and a delicate savouriness. Mouthfilling and deeply flavoured this would be a great accompaniement to aAlways a bold style, Romain imbues his wines with a deep fruitiness, blackberry, plum, earth and a delicate savouriness. Mouthfilling and deeply flavoured this would be a great accompaniement to a one pot stew. Drinking range: 2021 - 2024L&S (Jan 2021)

Tasted blind. Youthful nose, with cedar, liquorice and garrigue. Youthful with really well-judged tannins, quite portly in character but has deep fruit intensity. Perhaps lacking very slightly inTasted blind. Youthful nose, with cedar, liquorice and garrigue. Youthful with really well-judged tannins, quite portly in character but has deep fruit intensity. Perhaps lacking very slightly in freshness if being picky, but there's lots to enjoy. Drinking range: 2021 - 2025 Rating: 16 Alistair Cooper MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (May 2021)

85% Grenache, 15% Carignan. Hand-harvested grapes are sorted in the vineyard. Destemmed grapes are fermented, each variety separately, for 30 days at 25–27 °C. Aged for 12 months in concrete

85% Grenache, 15% Carignan. Hand-harvested grapes are sorted in the vineyard. Destemmed grapes are fermented, each variety separately, for 30 days at 25–27 °C. Aged for 12 months in concrete tanks.

Tasted blind. Quite restrained nose, graphite and dark fig with a spiced nose. Very generous and neat palate with superbly detailed tannins – excellent extraction. Savoury and with a real mineral core and depth. There is real concentration and intensity of fruit here, with power and finesse and backed up by a zippy core. The alcohol creeps in but isn't overpowering, in fact it is all nicely in check. Really good.

2019 Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits - tank sample tasted July 2021 75% Grenache 10% Mourvedre 10% Syrah 5% Cinsault, mainly whole bunch, aged in foudres and amphora. Super Expressive nose, wild strawberry2019 Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits - tank sample tasted July 2021 75% Grenache 10% Mourvedre 10% Syrah 5% Cinsault, mainly whole bunch, aged in foudres and amphora. Super Expressive nose, wild strawberry and raspberry. Vibrant and juicy in the mouth, redcurrant, strawberry & raspberry fruits with fine tannin and fresh acidity pulling the strings here, super modern Gigondas with everything in balance.L&S (Oct 2021)

2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Habemus Papam 80% Grenache 20% Syrah, vineyard clay & sandy soil. Ripe and very generous fruit on the nose, raspberry, redcaurrant, blackcurrant, mocha spice. Black cherry,2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Habemus Papam 80% Grenache 20% Syrah, vineyard clay & sandy soil. Ripe and very generous fruit on the nose, raspberry, redcaurrant, blackcurrant, mocha spice. Black cherry, violets and a loaded floral acidity, this is powerful yet really well balanced, elegance and real texture are the hallmarks, this is drinking now but will happily go the next 10 years.L&S (Oct 2021)

2019 Gigondas Clos Derriere Vieille - tasted from tank in cellars July 2021 80% Grenache 10% Mourvedre 10% Syrah, mainly wholebunch, foudres and amphora. Much more depth on the nose, darker black2019 Gigondas Clos Derriere Vieille - tasted from tank in cellars July 2021 80% Grenache 10% Mourvedre 10% Syrah, mainly wholebunch, foudres and amphora. Much more depth on the nose, darker black fruits, slightly meaty (Mourvedre??) Ripe sweet raspberry fruit, black cherry with a pure floral acidity, generous tannin but soft, great elegance and will be a fabulous Gigondas in 8+ years.L&S (Oct 2021)

2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Pied de Baud -tasted from tank at cellars July 2021 1ha vineyard to the north of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, sand , clay and pebble, 90 year old average age of vines. 80%2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Pied de Baud -tasted from tank at cellars July 2021 1ha vineyard to the north of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, sand , clay and pebble, 90 year old average age of vines. 80% Grenache 10% Syrah 10% Cinsault Slightly closed on the nose. Bursts into life in the mouth, packed with explosive raspberry, violets and redcurrant, roasted meats, sage and pepper. Once again this is an impressive Chateauneuf, powerful yet balanced, a fine tannin runs through it and enough acidity to keep it all in check. Very very smart indeed.L&S (Oct 2021)

2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Saintes Vierges - tasted from tank at cellars July 2021 80% Grenache 10% Syrah 10% Counoise, single 1.2ha vineyard plot just east of Chateauneuf-du Pape. 80% Foudres 20%2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Saintes Vierges - tasted from tank at cellars July 2021 80% Grenache 10% Syrah 10% Counoise, single 1.2ha vineyard plot just east of Chateauneuf-du Pape. 80% Foudres 20% Amphora Sweet perfumed Grenache on the nose, bright & pure. Wild strawberry, violets and a touch of floral notes, hints of spice too, very impressive. A powerful yet elegant Chateauneuf-du-Pape.L&S (Oct 2021)

2019 Gigondas Les Haut Garrigues - tasted from tank in cellars July 2021 50% Mourvedre 50% Grenache from a single plot around the winery. Very bright, seductive nose, sweet raspberry and red cherry.2019 Gigondas Les Haut Garrigues - tasted from tank in cellars July 2021 50% Mourvedre 50% Grenache from a single plot around the winery. Very bright, seductive nose, sweet raspberry and red cherry. Full of energy in the mouth, redcurrant, black cherry, lovely extraction here, lots of freshness too, elegant and precise, long long finish. A great Les Hautes Garrigues in the making.L&S (Oct 2021)

Tasted from tank at cellars July 2021 A tiny 0.5ha plot to the east of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, north facing, sandy soils. 100% Grenache with an average age of 90 years. 18 months in terracotta Amphora.Tasted from tank at cellars July 2021 A tiny 0.5ha plot to the east of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, north facing, sandy soils. 100% Grenache with an average age of 90 years. 18 months in terracotta Amphora. ‘Wow’ is the first word in our notes... if you could bottle the essence of Grenache, this would probably be it. Super bright and focused on the nose, sweet floral violets and wild raspberry notes, imp liquorice and cassis, fine and concentrated, lovely elegant tannin with a big juicy ripe acidity too to carry it, the last note is stunning, a truly brilliant wine. L&S (Oct 2021)