TARDIEU-LAURENT Cuvee Speciale, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

From vines grown at around 250 metres above sea level, the 2018 is a wonderfully aromatic, supple and juicy Côtes du Rhône, that's medium-bodied and filled with plenty of blackberry and dark cherry fruit as well as hints of lavender and thyme, and some anise as well. Although there's some pulpy fruit, the finish is crisp and mouthwatering. "Domaine la Réméjeanne takes some tracking down. Yet its one of those places that is worth a special journey, as the Michelin Guide would put it. We made the pilgrimage to Sabran a couple of years ago to revisit this wonderful producer, one that we had worked with in the distant past. We wont bore you with the tales of wrong turns and rural misadventures. Suffice to say, the north western hills of the Côtes du Rhône appellation is striking country the Rhône valley in your rear-view mirror and the foothills of the Cevennes ahead. Scenery aside, time spent with main man Rémy Klein, a look at the vineyards and a tasting of the Réméjeanne wines told us that this was a producer we needed to start working with again. These are wines that proudly speak of their place high up in the hills with soils comprised of sand and limestone. This highly distinctive terroir results in a range of fresh, highly refined Côtes du Rhônes brimming with fruit and character. They are far cooler and purer than many of the Côtes du Rhônes produced at lower altitudes and on alluvial soils and this stylistic difference suits us right down to the ground." Bibendum

DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE Reserve, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

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.

Michel Chapoutier produces a wonderful, modern style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape here with a forboding Grenache and Syrah (Shiraz) blend that has lashing of blackcurrant, fig and licquorice root. A wonderful balance between power and elegance.