Rhone
Domaine de Beaurenard 2019 Rasteau
Intense black fruit and blueberry aromas are lifted by cracked pepper, dried herbs and a hint of cocoa. The palate is rich and concentrated, built around ripe Grenache fruit, firm but polished tannins and a clear mineral line. Blackberry, cherry and savoury spice persist through a focused, energetic finish. Serve with braised lamb, grilled sausages, roast aubergine or hard cheese.
Domaine Mouton Père et Fils 2015 Côte-Rôtie Maison Rouge
Saint Cosme 2023 Crozes-Hermitage
Black fruit, smoked bacon, cracked pepper and incense lead a savoury, aromatic nose. The palate has more structure than the appellation's flatter-ground examples, with dark Syrah fruit, firm tannins and a mineral line carrying through the finish. Meaty, peppery and composed rather than heavy, it is a strong match for grilled lamb, mushrooms or slow-cooked onions.
Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2017 Saint-Joseph La Croix des Vignes
Xavier Gérard 2018 Côte-Rôtie
Dark violet in colour, with ripe blackberry, cassis and bitter cherry framed by pungent flowers, black pepper and a savoury trace of smoked meat. The palate is concentrated yet agile, its dark fruit gaining licorice and smoky mineral detail with air. Fine dusty tannins give measured grip, carrying pepper, fruit and earth through a long, composed finish.
Chapoutier 2016 Cote Rotie Mordoree
Raspberry and violet give the nose an aromatic lift, followed by spice, rosemary, black olive and tapenade. The palate is ample and concentrated, balancing ripe red and dark fruit with firm, velvety tannins. Leather, cedar and a light espresso note add savoury depth to the long finish. Decant for roasted lamb or game.
Domaine Saint-Patrice 2016 Clos Saint-Patrice Monopole Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Black cherry, blackberry and violet open with generous aromatic depth, followed by licorice, warm spice and a faint savoury note. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with ripe fruit held in shape by polished tannins and fresh mineral tension. Opulent yet composed, it finishes long and layered, with dark fruit and spice lingering.
Domaine Raspail-Ay 2022 Gigondas
Domaine René Rostaing 2013 Côte Blonde Côte-Rôtie
Fresh raspberry and boysenberry rise with potpourri, floral oils and smoky mineral notes. Lively red and dark berry flavours fill the palate, gaining depth from peppery spice, olive, truffle and a savoury forest-floor nuance. Fine, gently firm tannins frame the concentrated fruit, while clear mineral energy drives the long, precise and persistent finish.