“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

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

Cos d'Estournel remains today one of the true icons of Bordeaux, and the trademark of Saint Estèphe. With it's pagoda like house (as it's one of the rare Bordeaux's without a Château) it is a must visit for all travelling along the route des châteaux. Always of great reputation, the wines soared in esteem throughout the tenure of Bruno Prats through 1971 to 1998 and continue to this day with their Cabernet Sauvignon based wines of extreme purity and elegance. The 2009 vintage will be highly sought after with the conditions in the left bank region at their very best. Showing a more riper, plump fruit nature than the usual masculine, long-lived trademark, this years Cos will be quick out the door.

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 has been able to do it again! A savoury masterpiece from the southern Rhône appellation of Luberon. A spicy blend of Grenache and Syrah that displays intense varietal characters of nutmeg and black pepper. The palate, while medium-bodied, is quite forceful with robust flavours of blueberry and blackberry fruits. Great use of older oak has also assisted this Luberon be a brilliant follow on from the every popular Chapoutier Côteaux-du-Tricastin.

This small family owned business uses methods passed down by the generations. A traditional dry red style, it is unfiltered and has no preservatives added.

Château Mouton Rothschild is the work of one man, the legendary Baron Philippe, who is solely responsible for this giant of Bordeaux. Taking charge in 1923 until his death in 1988, he created something the world will always be in debt for. He also started the tradition of getting an artist to design a label for every vintage, a tradition that continues to this day. In 2009, the wine almost transcends perfection. A quite low alcohol percentage given the ripeness of the fruit, the bouquet is reminiscent of cigar box and graphite with violets and cassis playing a part. The palate is both restrained and concentrated, a impressive result indeed. The structure of the wine is hidden somewhat by the exuberant fruit, yet it is that structure that will see this extraordinary wine cellar for the good part of half a century!

This is a soft and approachable red wine which pays homage to Claret's starring role during the inception of Australia's wine industry.