2020 Domaine Vieux Telegraphe, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rouge 6x75cl
65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault and others. Cask sample.
Spicy, rather funky character on the nose. Sweet fruit but there is a hint of astringency here which takes away from... the whole. Acidity quite forward. Berry fruit on the palate. Firm tannins, less immediately appealing than many a 2020 Châteauneuf. 15.5+ pts., www.jancisrobinson.com
£235 / Case£39.17 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Vieux Donjon (Michel Lucien), Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rouge 12x75cl
A beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, classic effort from this team, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape boasts a deeper ruby/purple color, traditional notes of ground pepper, Provençal garrigue,... smoked meat, and red and black fruits, a terrific mid-palate, ripe, silky tannins, and a great, great finish. This is an outstanding vintage for this cuvée that’s going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 20 years or more" 94-96pts, Jeb Dunnuck
Drink 2023-2045
£330 / Case£27.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 Domaine Les Pallieres, Gigondas, Racines 6x75cl
From extremely old vines are planted in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail and a Grenache-dominated blend with deep aromatics, wild brambles and sweet/savoury spice on the nose. A dense, dark, grippy palate with pronounced mineral notes that shows deeper yet extremely finessed side of Gigondas.
£120 / Case£20 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 le Clos du Caillou, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Les Quartz 6x75cl
"Deepest colour of the four Clos du Caillou cuvées (plenty of Syrah). The aromatics are again restrained but there’s an attractive pitch of fruit and a spicy note that grows with aeration. Rich... and sweet, the fruit really concentrated on the palate. Tannins firm but very fine and completely interwoven with the fruit. Another for ageing." 17 pts., www.jancisrobinson.com
£310 / Case£51.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 le Clos du Caillou, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Les Safres Rouge 6x75cl
"90% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre. Aged 18 months in foudres. Organic. Cask sample.
Reticent nose with just the semblance of dark and red fruit. Palate rich and intense, the fruit concentrated, the tannins powerful and long. Freshness on the finish. Clearly built for ageing." 17+ pts., www.jancisrobinson.com
£210 / Case£35 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 le Clos du Caillou, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, La Reserve 6x75cl
"Huge intensity of burgundian red-berry fruit. Explodes on the palate. Layers of fruit with oh-so-fine tannins and amazing freshness and length on the finish. Real persistence aromatically. Powerful but elegant and restrained. Huge potential for ageing." 17.5 pts., James Lawther MW, www.jancisrobinson.com
£580 / Case£96.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: Immediate
2020 le Clos du Caillou, Cotes du Rhone, Le Bouquet des Garrigues Rouge 12x75cl
“…a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Cinsault, Counoise and Mourvèdre—boasts vibrant aromas of lavender and ripe red raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, smooth, silky and complex, it's a beauty…” 90-93 pts., Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com
£180 / Case£15 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Domaine de la Bouissiere, Gigondas, Font De Tonin 12x75cl
Rightly described as a 'mountain' Gigondas, as its 80% grenache and 20% mourvedre are sourced at elevations between 300 and 500m just below the Dentelles de Montmirail. Compact nose of sweet, spicy... black fruit, bay leaf and olive; on the palate liquorice, juicy black and red fruit; power, rich, pure and deeply expressive, refined tannins finishing long with great precision and freshness.
£330 / Case£27.50 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Stephane Ogier, Cotes du Rhone, Le Temps est Venu 12x75cl
Very much and old-vine grenache nose with meaty notes and good freshness and precision that is countered by a subtle richness and ripeness. Herbs, spice and fine tannins on the finish making a great case for this appellation. Perfect for when your Chateauneufs still need a few years.
£130 / Case£10.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Montirius, Gigondas La Tour 6x75cl
This vineyard covers an area of 16 hectares, out of which 8 are planted with very old vines. Here, the first vines were planted as early as 1925. This 16-hectare vineyard is neatly segregated into 3... slots – 10, 3 and 3. The first 10-hectare parcel has a blend of alluvium, Helvetian sand and sandstone soils. The second 3-hectare parcel has limestone-rich soil. The third 3-hectare parcel contains red clayey soils. Grenache is grown on 80% of the vineyards here, while Mourvedre vines cover the remaining 20% of the vineyards.
£95 / Case£15.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Domaine Montirius, Cotes du Rhone, Muse Papilles 6x75cl
Located in France's Rhone Valley region, Montirius is a family-owned estate that operates from some of the richest French appellations, such as, AOC Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Cotes-du-Rhone. The... family's estate stretches across 63 acres, and was certified biodynamic in 1996. 80% grenache/20% syrah from 25-year-old vines and wonderfully balanced fruit here. On the nose it reveals aromas of cherries and raspberries and leads to a fresh, spicy, lingering finish.
£70 / Case£11.67 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur
2020 Famille Perrin, Gigondas, Domaine du Clos des Tourelles 6x75cl
"Mid crimson. Has the garrigue and gently floral aroma of the L'Argnée Gigondas 2020. A little bit toasty too. Deliciously scented. Firm and serious on the palate. Finely dry tannins. A restrained style compared with the Famille Perrin La Gille Gigondas 2020." 17 pts., www.jancisrobinson.com
£215 / Case£35.83 / BottleDuty Status: In BondAvailability: En Primeur