France

Vacqueyras Rouge is dark red colour, with hints of deep purple with good clarity and good brightness. The nose is of laurel, rosemary and something fresh, almost thyme, then an explosion of black fruits (blackberry, candied cherry). Light oak adds a perfect complexity. The mouth is powerful, bulky. It is nicely tannic but the tannins are well coated, they give a relief. Serve in 3-5 years on a leg of lamb with crunchy vegetables or a nice piece of beef. Spices will not frighten this wine.

The nose is expressive on notes of fruit and lots of spice; it reveals ripeness and is very fresh. On the palate, this wine is charming, with surprising fullness, smoothness and also a lot of depth.

Andre Dezat is well known for his superb Sancerre rouge. 100% Pinot Noir from 25 year old vines and 12 months in wood.

Produced by the excellent Bernard Vallet in a very good vintage. This is the house rouge of Vallet Freres. Fresh, juicy berry fruit.

Beautiful fruity nose, notes of cassis, blackberry and spices with a very elegant hint of oak. On the palate, the attack is unwaveringly soft, smooth and offers an incredible velvety finish.

From the excellent winemaking duo of Florent and Damian Burle, Les Fouilles is a rich, dark and spicy blend of Grenache and Syrah. Drinking beautifully now, but has years of ageing potential.

1 hectare of 30 year old vines around the commune of Mercurey. Matures for 10 months in a combination of barrels (25% new) and stainless steel cuve.

Chateau Roudier is a 30ha property situated in the hills of Montagne. 35 year old vines of 65% Merlot with 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in one third new oak.

From one of the very best properties of the appellation owned by Alain Brumont, a blend of Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This is a serious, dark, brooding wine with spicy, dark fruit.

3 parcels, totalling 1.5 hectare of 60 year old vines, facing east and south on clay limestone. Matured in oak barrels (30% new) for 12 months.