2018 Domaine Garon Les Triotes

CÔTE RÔTIE

93

Coming from an uncertified organic parcel on the Côte Blonde, the white schist has given a focused spicy edge to the intense black plum and liquorice fruits, all laced with a savoury salinity. Plus it has a good grip to the tannins and a long and intense edge to the fruit. Great vibrancy and depth.

14% alc. RRP 160, drink by 2025

2017 René Rostaing Côte Blonde

CÔTE RÔTIE

96

Famous for deeply dark, rich and long-lived wines, this particular cuvée is vibrant and complex enough to live well for many a year yet. Its elegance and lifted aromatics only enhance the black pepper and pink peppercorn spice, and although taut in tannins and fresh, it possesses a brilliantly complex palate from start to finish.

14.5% alc. RRP 399, Drink by 2040

2019 Vincent Paris Granit 30

CORNAS

93

Vincent Paris believes wholeheartedly in minimal intervention and second use barrels. This cuvée – the 30 in the name relating to the vineyard gradient and vine age – truly showcases his signature elegant intensity. Deeply black with lifted aromas of liquorice, black pepper and even an umami whiff of truffle to offset the multiple layers of red and black fruits.

13% alc. RRP 94, drink by 2029

2018 Domaine A. Clape Renaissance

CORNAS

95

Believe it or not, this is actually the lighter and more approachable answer to the typically gutsy Cornas style, coming from the three generations of Clape; Auguste, Pierre and Olivier. Hailing from ‘younger’ vines (approx. 30 years) and awash with blackberry fruit, robust and ripe tannins and endless layers of sweet tobacco, spice and fruit.

13.5% alc. RRP 200, drink by 2030