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 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.

Superb Cornas from the brothers becoming known as masters of the region. The Durands' top cuvée, the 2017 Cornas Confidence comes from mature vines on the family's most granitic sites. Aged in 30% new oak, it combines notes of crushed stone, resiny herbs, almond paste, raspberries, blueberries and cassis into a harmonious whirl of intense flavor. Full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's also richly tannic, picking up hints of mocha on the lengthy finish.

A blend of 40% each Marsanne and Roussanne, plus 20% Grenache Blanc, the 2020 Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Ponce is floral and spicy, with marked pear and melon aromas. It's fruit-forward and medium to full-bodied, with a plush, silky texture and a long finish redolent of anise and white pepper.

Xavier Gerard is one of the most exciting young winemakers working in the Northern Rhône. He is a young grower who took over his family's small domaine in earnest in 2012 and in no time has turned out incredibly elegant and traditionally made Syrahs and Viogniers.

100% Gamay (mid-1980s) from galet stone on red-brown clay soils at 350 metres at Givors, 50-100% destemmed, 15-16 day vinification, a little pumping over, then cap punching, aged 1-6 year 228-litre casks 12 months, unfined. A real charmer. Wine to enjoy with friends. Dark red, purple tints; has a strawberry jam aroma. This has a good, firm attack, holds dark red, mulberry fruit with life in it, and a late saline note. There’s crunch in the tannins (this is 50% whole bunch) and it’s very drinkable, shows a touch of late power, is good for la table. Its length sustains on red fruit, raspberry, is good and upbeat.

Rasteau aged in Amphora by this great Southern Rhone estate. Silky smooth, with a touch more restraint. Classy stuff.