TARDIEU-LAURENT Cuvee Speciale, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO Cuvee de mon Aieul, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

There are only a few wineries nestled in the rolling hills of Geographe, but they are producing some lovely wine, as youll discover in this classic GSM. In the glass: Deep, dark red purple. On the nose: Inky dark berry fruit with notes of toasty oak and iodine. On the palate: A core of plum and mulberry tempered by fresh herb and stalk notes, hints of vanillin oak and juicy acidity.

Since taking over the estate from his father in 1992, Jean-Paul Daumen has become one of the most talented and revered winemakers in all of France regularly producing some of the top wines of the vintage. Made from a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% other miscellaneous varieties, the Lieu-Dit Clavin vineyard is located 3 metres away from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation boundary. Dense midnight black core with a deep dark red hue. Aromas of black cherry, liquorice and scorched earth mix with herbs du Provence and peppered meat notes. Cascading waves of rich, chewy textured black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice fruits engulf the palate with great power. Scorched earth, dried meat and peppered herb elements lie underneath. Ripe muscular tannins firm up the finish and provide some grip to the long robust, richly fruited yet fresh aftertaste. Cellar 5-6 years. Alc. 14.5%

The Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf Du Pape Les Hauts Lieux 2021 is a stunning representation of the famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape region in France. This vintage, produced by the esteemed Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, boasts a deep ruby red color with a brilliant clarity. On the nose, aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and blackcurrants intertwine with hints of spice, leather, and earthiness. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a beautiful balance of tannins and acidity. Flavors of dark berries, cocoa, and pepper dance across the tongue, leading to a long and elegant finish. This wine is a true expression of the terroir, showcasing the unique character and complexity of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy now or cellar for further development.

“The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is showing beautifully, displaying lively crushed violet, cranberry, red cherry, licorice and dried herb aromas. Full-bodied, elegant and fitted with velvety tannins, it is well-balanced by fresh acidity, closing with a long-lasting finish. As usual, it's a blend of very old vines from two parcels in Charbonnières and Les Esquirons. Only 4,000 bottles produced.” 93-95 points Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous

A stunning blend from the stony terroir of La Crau, this wine has depth, concentration, and purity in spades. 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 4% Mourvedre, 3% Cinsault, 2% Vaccarese and 1% Muscardin, the Grenache is never aged in any wood, but the Mourvedre and Syrah are aged in a combination of one year old and two-year-old oak barrels. Black cherries, kirsch, licorice, pastille, and crushed rock notes rise from this ultra-fine, polished grenache forward wine. Enjoy a distinct floral character that washes the palate in waves. 'Deeper and more concentrated than the 2018, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape is as impressive as I can remember this cuvée ever being. Dark in hue, overflowing with dark fruit, full-bodied and velvety in texture, with a long, licorice-tinged finish, this looks very promising.' 2021-2030. (92-94) - Robert Parker.

The Kennedy is a blend of old vine Barossa Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. Its named in honour of the legendary Barossa vignerons who were instrumental in planting these old precious vineyards. Grenache from 50-year-old vines dominates the blend and all varieties are fermented separately at very warm temperatures for optimal extraction of colour, tannins and flavour. Kennedy is matured in seasoned French hogsheads and puncheons for up to 16 months.