DOMAINE LA BARROCHE Julien Barrot, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale

Clos Saouma Arioso Blanc, Châteauneuf-du-Pape This is sourced entirely from the Lieu-dit of Pierredon and 100% Grenache Blanc. Its vinified the same way as the Magis see above however the élevage is just one single 500 litre demi-mud for 36 months on full lees, no racking/sulphur for the full period.

Lucien Le Moine is a small House of Grands Crus in Beaune, run by Mounir and Rotem. They established the cellar in 1999, driven by their fascination with the "old way" of growing, vinificating and aging wines. The cellar produces only Grands and Premiers Crus from Côte d'Or, selecting the most beautiful crus in each village and renewing their selection every year. The cellar produces a maximum of 100 barrels (30,000 bottles) to allow them to do everything "by hand" and "by ourselves," which allows them to apply their technical perception and respond to each vintage and wine. Rotem and Mounir Saouma are the owners of the renowned micro-négociant Lucien Le Moine in Beaune, and they have been highly sought-after producers of 1er and Grand Cru Burgundy for several years. Driven by their passion to own their vineyards, they decided to purchase exceptional terroir in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and start Clos Saouma. Magis, which means "more, much more" in Latin, is the name chosen by Saouma because they expect more, much more, from their white Châteauneuf-du-Pape, especially after two years in barrels. The wine is made from 75% Grenache Blanc, 10% Clairette, 10% Roussane, and 5% Bourboulenc. The fermentation takes place in barrels from the Jupilles forest (Pays de Loire), followed by two years of aging in the same barrels on the lees, with just occasional stirring. While only 3% of Chateauneuf is white, and virtually all of it is bottled after six months, Rotem & Mounir Saouma Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Magis 2020 has already been compared to some of the great white Burgundy crus for its depth and minerality. The wine has a mouthfeel that is both creamy and dried, with prominent flavours of yellow apple, yellow plum, and white peach, backed by notes of shortbread, macadamia nut, and verbena. It is showy but has a razor-sharp focus on the finish, with a lingering echo of hazelnut husk.

Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils is located in the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, has built a solid reputation over the years as producing rich, ripe red wines, so it's interesting to see that Thierry Usseglio and his son, Gregory, are experimenting with the use of whole bunches and an entirely new wine style that combines a large proportion of white grapes and use of amphorae. Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Lirac 2020 vintage is produced with 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah. The fruit selected is from 40 year old vines. They harvested manually and completely destemmed. The fermentation is followed by thermoregulation, lasting about 20 to 30 days. The wines are then aged in concrete and demi-muids vats over a period of 12 months. Loads of black raspberry and spice, medium to full body and a lush, ripe, yet seamless mouthfeel.