DOMAINE LA BARROCHE Julien Barrot, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

The Rozas 1er cru Garnacha is, as the name says, classified premier cru by Comando G. Elegant and poised, this wine is a step up in classification and altitude, sitting above the Rozas Villages vineyards close to the ceiling beyond which growing grapes isn't really viable. The brick-red tinge to the colour bring Langhe to mind, Nebbiolo specifically, and there are more hints of that in the glass. The colour and the approachability owe a lot to the greater presence of silt midst the layers of granite. For the 1er cru, the vines are older, the soils are lighter and the altitude of the vineyard is higher than the village showing that signature highwire Sierra de Gredos/Comando G acidity.

Made by the Torres family and coming exclusively from their vineyards located in the municipalities of Porrera and Lloar. Salmos is a Priorat wine, a blend between Carignan, Grenache & Syrah, that manages to achieve an unparalleled balance between power and elegance. Dark ruby red. Rich, ripe wine with floral (confected rose) and fruit (dark cherries, prunes) aromas. Beautifully framed by French oak. Elegant, subtle midpalate, very finely structured tannins and a slight touch of toast (cocoa).

Plum, lifted cherry, spice, fine tannin, silky & plush mouth feel; easy drinking, mid weight wine. Made from friends of Ulithorne's vineyards in the sub region of Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale that show bright, primary, lifted fruit flavours.