In this wine, heady top notes of vanilla, brioche and smoke seep into concentrated yellow apple and grapefruit. Full bodied and just a touch warming, it's an open, generous wine freshened by a mineral lift on the finish. Ready now, it should hold well through 2024. Score - 91. (Anna Lee C. Iijima, Wine Enthusiast, July 1, 2020)
Plenty of spice, orange blossom, and peach notes emerge from the 2020 Condrieu, a medium-bodied, nicely textured, balanced Condrieu. As with all the wines from this Gigondas-based négociant, it's impeccably made. Score - 90. (jebdunnuck.com, Feb. 16, 2022)
Lots of sandalwood, Christmas spice, and peppery herb notes emerge from the 2019 Côte Rôtie, a medium-bodied, charming, nicely balanced, elegant Côte Rôtie. I like its overall balance as well as its purity, and it should offer loads of pleasure over the coming 10-12 years. Maturity: 2022-2034. Score - 90. (jebdunnuck.com, Feb. 16, 2022)
The 2018 Côte Rôtie has a kiss of oak on the nose yet backs it up with beautiful dark berry fruits, leather, and peppery nuances. With medium to full body, a light, elegant texture, and terrific purity, it's a beautiful, fleshy, charming Côte Rôtie that's going to impress on release and over the following decade or so. Score - 90-92. (Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, Dec. 12, 2019)
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre. Powerfully lifted black pepper, rose petal, red cherry, forest floor, liquorice, baking spice and herbal aromatics. Really complex, but still with some polished, soft fruits and a touch more oak spice on the palate. Finishes lengthily. Well-made and youthful, with time to go. Watch this space. Score - 96. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022)
Lots to like in this wine, with its well-defined black fruit, plum, and black pepper spice. Try it with braised beef, or peppered duck breast with a red-wine sauce. It will continue to evolve through 2030+ and should be decanted for an hour if enjoying tonight.
With grenache as the main grape variety in the blend, the wine is spicy and generous, and a superb partner for cuisine. Medium ruby red colour with forward aromas of black plum jam, anise and mushrooms. On the palate, extra dry and light to medium bodied, with ripe, juicy plum fruit flavours and hint of spice on the finish.
Aromas of black pepper, blackberry bramble, baking spices and forest floor wrap around a core of silky tannins with a touch of toasted oak on the smooth finish. A lovely 100% Syrah from a producer mainly known for crafting Grenache-based Southern Rhône blends. Serve this wine tonight after an hour decant or cellar for another 5+ years.
The Rhone Valley is well represented in this flavourful blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Roussanne. Fresh floral notes compliment the expressive aromas of pear and peach. The palate is lively and refreshing, with well-balanced flavours and a lengthy finish. Perfect on its own or paired with shellfish.