Rhone Valley
E. Guigal 2012 Ermitage Ex-Voto Rouge
Crème de cassis and black raspberry lead, layered with crushed rock, liquorice and a subtle savoury note. The palate is powerful and full-bodied, with concentrated dark fruit wrapped in ripe, steadily building tannins. Vanilla and spice add depth without softening the wine's mineral focus or its exceptionally long finish.
René Rostaing 2019 Côte-Rôtie La Viaillère 750 mL
Kirsch, blackberry and ripe plum are framed by violet, dried herbs, olive and green pepper. The palate combines concentration with a velvety, savoury texture, its dark fruit held in line by fresh acidity and fine, rounded tannins. Pepper and mineral notes sharpen the profile as it opens, while a measured touch of oak adds polish. The finish is long, floral and gently herbal rather than heavy.
Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle 750 mL
Black olive and smoked bacon give the first impression a dark, savoury tone, followed by crushed blackberry, graphite and violet. The palate is dense but not jammy, with concentrated fruit held by firm, fine-grained tannins. A clear mineral line keeps the power focused, and the finish is exceptionally long, elegant and floral. Decant well before serving with venison, braised beef or aged hard cheese.
Domaine Pierre Gaillard 2019 Côte-Rôtie Rose Pourpre 750 mL
Cassis, blackberry and kirsch lead a dark, concentrated profile, with smoke, savoury meat and pepper adding depth. The palate is powerful but refined, carried by silky tannins and a clean sweep of acidity that keeps the fruit fresh. Mineral detail and restrained oak remain in the background, while the finish is long and composed. Decant before serving with beef, venison, roast lamb or braised game.
Julien Barge 2016 Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde 750 mL
Macerated cherry, cassis and damson plum lead a concentrated, savoury profile. Tea, olive and lightly singed wood add depth without overwhelming the fruit. The palate is dense and harmonious, with fully integrated tannins, lively balance and a clear iron-mineral line. Bitter cherry and dark fruit persist through a precise, extended finish. Decant before serving with roast lamb, duck, venison or lentils with herbs.
Domaine René Rostaing 2024 Condrieu La Bonnette 750 mL
Lemon flesh, just-ripe apricot and white peach rise with spring blossom, honeysuckle and a light touch of spice. The palate is fleshy and concentrated but markedly fresh, its well-integrated acidity bringing energy and precision. Lemon peel, bergamot and a fine mineral line carry through the long, clean finish. Serve lightly chilled with scallops, roast chicken, creamy shellfish dishes or delicately spiced vegetable plates.
Clos Saint Jean 2018 La Combe des Fous Châteauneuf-du-Pape 750 mL
Blackcurrant, black cherry and pomegranate lead a deep, expressive nose, joined by lavender, peppery garrigue, graphite and a touch of rose. The palate is full-bodied and richly layered, yet seamless tannins and fresh energy keep the wine from feeling heavy. Liquorice, tobacco and subtle white chocolate add savoury depth before a plush, velvety finish. Decant generously and serve with lamb shoulder, grilled beef or Provençal herbs and mushrooms.
Domaine Pierre Gaillard 2017 Côte-Rôtie Esprit de Blonde 750 mL
Ripe red and dark fruit open with warm spice and a gentle toasted note. The palate is dense yet balanced, framed by silky tannins and an aromatic thread of truffle, pepper and savoury earth. Oak is integrated, supporting the fruit rather than covering it, and the finish remains persistent and poised. Decant before serving with venison, roast lamb, beef, mushrooms or dishes built around black olives.
Chateau de Beaucastel Chateau du Pape 2020
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020 is a classic, Mourvèdre-led Southern Rhône red that shows the estate’s trademark depth and savoury complexity. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, dried rose, lavender, liquorice, leather and garrigue lead into a layered palate of dark fruit, pepper, earth and warm spice.
Full-bodied and structured, it keeps its shape through fresh acidity, firm but polished tannins and a long mineral finish. A serious, ageworthy red for roast lamb, game or slow-braised meats.
Ferraton Père & Fils 2016 Lieu-Dit Montmain Côte-Rôtie
Vignobles Levet 2014 Côte-Rôtie Améthyste 750 mL
Blueberry, red plum, cassis and blackberry meet chimney soot, green peppercorn and a floral peony note. The palate is medium-bodied and firmly drawn, with lean red and dark fruit carried by bright acidity. Fine, dusty tannins provide a traditional frame, while earth and delicate spice add savoury depth. The finish is restrained but persistent, returning to pepper, dark fruit and a quiet smoky edge.
Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2017 Saint-Joseph La Croix des Vignes
Domaine Georges Vernay 2017 Terres d’Encre Saint-Joseph
Dark cherry, damson plum and blackberry meet violet, white pepper and a light smoky note. The palate is silky and medium-bodied, with pure fruit carried by vibrant acidity and soft, discreet tannins. Sanguine minerality and a savoury olive edge lead into a persistent, focused and quietly spicy finish.
Chateau Maucoil 2019 Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Sun-warmed strawberry and red cherry lead, sharpened by cassis and blackberry and layered with brambly herbs. The palate is richly concentrated and penetrating, yet zesty and vibrant, with dark fruit, spice and savoury depth held by fine, tautly composed tannins. Generous in scale but balanced, finishing with freshness and precision.
Éric Texier 2019 Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban Côtes du Rhône
Cassis, blueberry and damson plum lead, with violet, olive and smoky mineral notes adding lift. The palate is smooth and energetic, balancing black and blue fruit with black pepper, allspice and soft, supple tannins. Rosemary, a quiet savoury edge and fine acidity carry the wine through a fresh, textural finish.
Sainte Anne 2020 Notre-Dame Cellett Cdrv
A structured southern Rhône red with warm spice, subtle leather, cumin and dark blackberry. The palate is rich and ample, combining concentrated fruit with firm tannins and enough freshness to maintain balance. Dense but polished through the savoury finish, it should benefit from air and works well with roast lamb, braised beef, grilled sausages or herb-led dishes.
Domaine Sainte-Anne 2020 Saint-Gervais Cotes-du-Rhone Villages
Generous but composed, with cherry, strawberry and blackcurrant layered over pepper, thyme and a quiet earthy note. The palate is dry and savoury, bringing dark fruit, fine spice and supple texture into a balanced finish. A short decant will help the blend open; serve with roast lamb, grilled sausages, braised beef, mushrooms or herb-led Provençal dishes.
Arnoux & Fils 2012 Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Orange blossom, peach, ripe apple and pear rise from an intensely aromatic profile, with a clean mineral note adding definition. Sweet and full-flavoured, the palate layers stone fruit and floral detail over a smooth, rounded texture. A faint bitter edge refreshes the finish, keeping the lingering fruit poised enough for fruit desserts, blue cheese or solo sipping.
Sainte Anne 2022 Cotes Du Rhone Villages
In a hidden gem of the Cotes-du-Rhone Villages, Saint-Gervais, winemaker Guy Steinmaier channels his Burgundy roots into this classic, Grenache-forward Rhône blend. Set just northwest of Tavel and Lirac, Saint-Gervais sits along the same latitude as renowned Gigondas, yielding a wine brimming with concentrated currant, plum, and red raspberry preserves, complemented by white pepper and subtle mineral and earthy tones.
This vibrant, traditional expression pairs beautifully with slow-cooked lamb stew with apricots and warm spices or a spiced lentil and roasted red pepper curry with coconut milk and cumin.