A legendary wine. Now comes as a cellar release direct from the Domaine in 2022. Grab it while you can! Cote Rotie is often seen as feminine, and here the 4% Viognier no doubt has its part to play but it is the magisterial elegance and profundity of the Syrah which takes the breath away. 98 points Decanter

Has to be one of the best-value most impressive French red wines on the UK market. Special edition made for us by famed Chateauneuf grower Roger Sabon, the wine-maker is esteemed Didier Negron. Charmingly honest, hearty (15%!), herbal, dense and punchy, juicy red from the classic southern varieties of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault & friends. What a beauty, what a bargain. Although full-bodied the wine has soft tannins and a silky texture - this is the beauty of Southern Rhone reds, ready to enjoy as soon as they're made, unlike Bordeaux or Burgundy. Grenache in this hot sunny heaven gives ripe raspberry and black cherry notes and depth, Syrah gives a classic black pepper spice and dark-chocolate grip. A cool fennel / mint edge and lift. 'Declassified' as Vin de France, but this is not a 'negoce' wine made from bought-in grapes: all the grapes come from Sabon estates, and winemaking is by Didier Negron, as per their top wines. About Roger Sabon: Domaine Roger Sabon came into being in 1952 when the family vineyards were split into three distinct entities (the other two being Domaine Chante-Cigale and Clos Mont Olivet). Robert Parker, who awarded their 1988 vintage a perfect 100 rating, the first Chateauneuf-du-Pape so honoured, has this to say about Domaine Roger Sabon: “This estate has been at the top of its game for many years and any partisan of Rhone Valley wines… who has not yet tried a wine from Domaine Roger Sabon should make every effort to do so... This estate has been making exceptionally high-quality wines for years, but recent vintages seem to have risen to a new level of quality.”

Charming and moreish, with a lovely appetising style and impressive persistence. Has all the St-Joseph hallmarks in place, with lovely purity of fruit and finely woven tannins.

Succulent and plush on the nose, with spicy oak and ripe, rounded fruit. Peppery persistence on the finish. Firm, chewy structure. Meat and black pepper on the length.

Dense.herbal and oaky aromatics unfold elegantly onto a full-bodied, powerful and lush palate. It is full of plush fruit and muscular, thunderous power in an old-school style. There is a lot to enjoy here all the way to a long finish lengthened by fine tannins and piercing acidity. 98 points Decanter Magazine

Parker 94-96 "I still think it is the equal of the Brunier family's Chteauneufs" (Vieux Telegraphe etc.) "tremendous Gigondas... 75-year-old vines". Jancis 17+ .." most delicious purity right from nose to finish"

"Small plot of 90yo Syrah and Grenache, high altitude, tiny yields and production, super rare. Tastes somehow between Cornas and Chateauneuf. Parker 94-96 ""thrilling notes of smoked dark fruits, pepper meats, graphite and big minerality... impressive across the board, might be the greatest Vinsobres Ive ever tasted"""

Another perennial favourite, this is a Syrah-dominated cuvee that comes from vines around the village of Roaix, which is northeast of Gigondas. Its vibrant ruby color is followed by terrific notes of blueberries, blackberries, pepper and resinous herbs, and it has a kiss of vanilla that will be completely integrated by the time this sees the inside of a bottle. This is a medium to full-bodied, ultra-pure beauty.

Super-luxe Rhone project of Fréderic Engerer, the Président of Chateau Latour in Bordeaux, and Roussillon vigneron Jérôme Malet. Winemaker is Bertrand Degat, previously at Latour. Based in an ancient estate near Nyons, a region just north of the Gigondas etc. cluster, seriously under-valued and cooler (a trait more sought-after these days!) allowing longer slower growing season. The olive oil of these parts is the best in the region - always a good sign. The wine is extravagantly showy! Yields are tiny, every possible effort, no expense spared, has been made to make this a wow wine, an award-winner, a best-in-class. If his was labelled Chateauneuf, or Gigondas or Rasteau, you could double the price and more. Deep, impenetrable colour, lovely bricky edge showing maturity. Nose of leather, dried fruit, mushroom, classy oak still in evidence - the kind of savouriness you find in top Rioja. The palate is beautifully sweet-fruited and intense. What a class act and what a find - with 8 years in the cellar. No need to decant or air, it’s ready to go. 15% abv Organic

Normally around £19-£22 (Vivino). SO Cairanne - that ripe posh-French-jam fruity nose, how is that possible in a wine this age? Excellent reviews for a wine this price. Parker 90/100 "...uniquely perfumed and floral, with hints of violets, spice and even citrus zest. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with a creamy- ripe texture that firms up considerably on the finish... idiosyncratic example of Cairanne..." Jancisrobinson.com 16/20 "Bright crimson. Spicy nose with some floral notes. Lots of density and then fairly smooth tannins but with lots in the middle and a certain high-altitude finesse." Cairanne is effectively a continuation of Rasteau, and faces Gigondas across the valley. Cairanne Blanc is so under-rated. Small highly-rated organic family estate, miniscule yields (like half the allowable). Organic

Nice nose with notes of red fruit and Morello cherries. Very fresh, with soft tannins, it offers a nice balance and great complexity in the mouth and a long finish.

Superb deep-purple colour. The powerful and complex nose develops notes of 'Garrigue', cocoa and black fruit. Its rich and smooth mouth offers aromas of blackberry and violet with a slightly minty finish and great length.

Delicious fruit, classic and classy. This demonstrates charm and finesse with a spherical feel. True Châteauneuf, as it should be

Parker 95 "The floral and garrigue nuances... are off-the-charts gorgeous, backed by concentrated black cherries and hints of dark chocolate. Full-bodied and intense, concentrated yet elegant, this is a terrific effort.... Soft, silky tannins wash over the tongue on the long-lasting finish, lending a certain gravitas to the overall experience..."

Vinsobres is the most northern appellation of the Southern Rhône. The Perrin family owns around 80 hectares here. The vineyards grow at altitudes of 200 - 450 metres, in terraces, with the Prealps on one side and Mont Ventoux on the other. The soils are stony and sandy marl on the slopes, and stony quaternary alluviums on the terraces. A very particular microclimate protects the village and the vines planted which are planted in amphitheatre formation. Summers are hot and dry, with the local Mistral and Pontias winds bringing cooler air at night. Dense purple colour. Richly aromatic: black fruits, stewed plums, even some prune. Complex floral aromas too. A little reduced and herbal - high Syrah content? Full bodied and spicy with a tight, savoury palate and a robust tannin structure. Some juicy red plum on the finish, and a little richness from oak. Long. The patient buyer will be rewarded in another 7-10 years.

Cracking value Chateauneuf from Chateau Fargueirol, whose single varietal Chateauneufs are rightly praised as some of the most exciting wines from the region. Easy to drink young and made in a fruit forward, accessible Grenache-y style.

Parker 94 "Two wines that blew me away were the old vine Gigondas cuvees! The 2011 Gigondas Domaine du Clos des Tourelles shows shocking depth and concentration in the vintage, with full-bodied power, beautiful ripeness and sweet tannin. Showing plenty of cedar, spice and meaty dark fruits, it is one serious Gigondas to drink over the coming decade or more."

"Mid crimson. Complex cocktail on the nose. Very rich and lively. No one could object to this. Really vibrant." 16.5/20, Jancis Robinson

An aged Cotes-du-Rhône perfect for a mid-week barbecue.

A blend of 65% Grenache 15% Syrah 15% Mourvedre and a small proportion of white varieties and Cinsault. 30% whole bunches from the old vines Grenache were included in the 2013 blend. All from the fine La Crau vineyard in the Bedarrides commune from vines averaging 60 years old. The grapes are part de-stemmed and after fermentation the wine is aged for ten months in concrete vats followed by ten months in wooden foudres. This gradually opens up on the nose and the palate is svelte but serious. Wonderful brightness and clarity. Harmonious, self-assured and complex without ever being heavy or cumbersome. The palate offers bright sweet, small sweet berry flavours flecked with minerals, gentler and easier than usual but with a certain gravitas nonetheless and a nice, moreish touch of austerity.

A stunning wine this vintage from this world-renowned producer. Cuvée “Les Racines” showcases the vineyard parcels surrounding the winery—the origin of the domaine with the oldest vines—with the emphasis on freshness and extravagant cornucopian fruit.

A blend of 65% Grenache 15% Syrah 15% Mourvedre and a small proportion of white varieties and Cinsault. 30% whole bunches from the old vines Grenache were included in the 2013 blend. All from the fine La Crau vineyard in the Bedarrides commune from vines averaging 60 years old. The grapes are part de-stemmed and after fermentation the wine is aged for ten months in concrete vats followed by ten months in wooden foudres. This gradually opens up on the nose and the palate is svelte but serious. Wonderful brightness and clarity. Harmonious, self-assured and complex without ever being heavy or cumbersome. The palate offers bright sweet, small sweet berry flavours flecked with minerals, gentler and easier than usual but with a certain gravitas nonetheless and a nice, moreish touch of austerity.

Reminiscent of a Provençal street market (which I always get from classic Gigondas), it has ultra-fine tannin, excellent concentration and a rocking finish. Drink this beauty through 2029

"Cassis-pine and perfumed violet surge out of the glass; lovely purity. Palate is bright and saline which drives the finish. Takes a bold approach, best with grilled meats." Decanter Magazine 89pts

Cote Rotie is often seen as feminine, and here the 4% Viognier no doubt has its part to play but it is the magisterial elegance and profundity of the Syrah which takes the breath away.

Parker 96/100 "Hints of violets and lavender appear alongside mixed berries on the nose of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Prestige. While not overwhelmingly concentrated or dense, it's beautifully balanced, being medium to full-bodied on the palate, smooth and supple in feel and fresh on the cooling and silky finish, where it adds hints of mocha and darker fruit while retaining a sense of etherealness. It should drink well for a decade, perhaps a bit longer." Robert M. Parker, Jr (the world’s most influential wine reviewer), who awarded their 1988 vintage a perfect 100 rating, the first Chateauneuf-du-Pape so honoured, has this to say about Domaine Roger Sabon: “This estate has been at the top of its game for many years and any partisan of Rhone Valley wines (especially the southern Rhone) who has not yet tried a wine from Domaine Roger Sabon should make every effort to do so. …the finest back-to-back vintages I have ever tasted from this 42-acre estate run by the large Sabon family, in this case, Jean-Jacques (recently deceased), Julien, Gilbert and Denis (Note: the helm is currently being turned over to the succeeding and equally capable generation, Didier Negron, Delphine and Julien Sabon). They own 15 parcels spread throughout the appellation, most of them concentrated in the western and eastern sectors north of the village. The domaine occupies about seventeen hectares of prime vineyards in some of the best sites of Chateauneuf - Les Cabrieres, La Crau, Courthezon and Nalys, and all with "galets roules" the sizeable stones that soak up the sun and release the warmth to the vines at night. The vines are a minimum age of 50 years, with 90-year-old vines for the Cuvee Prestige. They are mainly Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre, but Muscardin, Terret, Vaccarese and Counoise are also included in their Cuvee Prestige. This estate has been making exceptionally high-quality wines for years, but recent vintages seem to have risen to a new level

Parker 95 "The floral and garrigue nuances... are off-the-charts gorgeous, backed by concentrated black cherries and hints of dark chocolate. Full-bodied and intense, concentrated yet elegant, this is a terrific effort.... Soft, silky tannins wash over the tongue on the long-lasting finish, lending a certain gravitas to the overall experience..."

Alistair Cooper MW Jancisrobinson.com 18.5/20 "Cask samples tasted at the domaine. Foudre sample 1: Nose is crackling with energy. A yeasty dark-fruit core with strawberry, liquorice and mouth-watering freshness. There is minerality here alongside an elegant and beautifully rounded palate. Foudre sample 2: A spice-led nose, with a hint of reduction. Beautiful purity and vibrancy with a fine peppery streak – so much energy and refined tannins. This is already absolutely delicious. Foudre sample 3: Dark chocolate and forest fruits on the nose. Marked firm and fine tannins – this shows real richness and weight as well as beautiful spice."

Alistair Cooper MW Jancisrobinson.com 18.5/20 "Cask samples tasted at the domaine. Foudre sample 1: Nose is crackling with energy. A yeasty dark-fruit core with strawberry, liquorice and mouth-watering freshness. There is minerality here alongside an elegant and beautifully rounded palate. Foudre sample 2: A spice-led nose, with a hint of reduction. Beautiful purity and vibrancy with a fine peppery streak – so much energy and refined tannins. This is already absolutely delicious. Foudre sample 3: Dark chocolate and forest fruits on the nose. Marked firm and fine tannins – this shows real richness and weight as well as beautiful spice."

Guigal's 2018 Crozes Hermitage reveals another level of ripeness and plushness. It's full-bodied, maybe even a little jammy (not a problem at this youthful stage of its evolution), without being heavy or overdone.

A real pleasure bomb, with loads of fruit (black cherries and raspberries), the delicious, mid-weight 2010 Cotes du Rhone Roc-Epine is everything a wine from this generic appellation should be.

89/100 Jeb Dunnuck "the 2014 Vacqueyras les 2 Monardes (60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and the balance a mix of permitted varieties) is a Provencal, charming beauty that has lots of sweet red fruits, dried garrigue, saddle leather and spice in a medium-bodied, complex style. There’s some savory tannin on the finish"

91/100 Jeb Dunnuck "The 2017 Lirac is only 40% to 50% Grenache, instead of the usual 65% (the remainder is Syrah). It offers up spicy, dark-fruited flavors of cola and plum, framed by soft tannins. It's medium to full-bodied, with a long, velvety finish that hints at licorice."

The ‘Petit Ours’ Côtes-du-Rhône, meaning ‘little bear’, is 100% Syrah sourced from vineyards planted on clay and gravel soils surrounding the village of Visan, next to Vinsobres. The vineyards are north-facing and are all farmed organically and worked using biodynamic methods, in keeping with Matthieu’s philosophy. The wine has a very expressive nose with layers of blackberry and black cherry fruit. The palate has smooth and well-integrated tannins with juicy black fruit and a touch of black pepper on the finish.

The Duclaux brothers farm 14 hectares in the southern end of Côte Rôtie and the northern end of Condrieu. These are wines, as Benjamin explains, that are softer and silkier than those from other parts of Côte Rôtie.

Superb Cornas from the brothers becoming known as masters of the region. The 2018 Cornas Premices comes from the brothers' young vines, but it is a concentrated, stony example in its own right. Dark in hue, it offers up scents of red plums and crushed stone, plus subtle herb and floral shadings. Medium to full-bodied, with a silky texture and a refreshing hit of licorice on the lengthy finish, it's approachable now, yet should drink well for at least 5-6 years.

Excellent producers Eric and Joel come from an old mixed farming family who went into making their own wine commercially in the late 1980s. They still grow apricots. The brothers have plenty of drive, and are making fruit-filled wines that can be enjoyed from an early stage.

This 65ha estate in Lirac is managed by Ann Paly and her brother Christian, whose family have owned the domaine since the 17th century. They make Lirac and Tavel as well as this great value Cotes du Rhone made from mainly Grenache and Syrah on clay and limestone soils. Dark fruits and more savoury elements appear on the nose while the palate is fresh, darkly fruity with a spicy, liquorice finish. Excellent value.

This 65ha estate in Lirac is managed by Ann Paly and her brother Christian, whose family have owned the domaine since the 17th century. They make excellent Lirac as well as Tavel and a great value Cotes du Rhone made from mainly Grenache and Syrah on clay and limestone soils. Dark fruits and more savoury elements appear on the nose while the palate is fresh, darkly fruity with a spicy, liquorice finish. Excellent value.

Jancisroboinson.com 17+/20 (2016 vintage) "Bold black fruit and large-grained, furry tannin on the palate giving texture and weight. Liquorice and leather finish"