A taste of the top northern Rhônes

Wines are listed by commune, from north to south, then by score, then alphabetically by producer. Some 2018s have not been bottled yet, hence some prices, stockists and alcohol levels are not yet known. Contact specialist merchants for en primeur offers

Côte-Rôtie

KEY PRODUCER Domaine JP Jamet, Côte Brune 97

Jamet’s only single-vineyard bottling. 2018 is a soft, rich, easygoing vintage. Sunny and ripe, juicy tannins, slightly higher alcohol than a typical year. Expressive, cheerful, with potpourri, cedar, blueberry and blackberry and signature rose petal aroma. Menthol freshness and no overripeness of flavour. Drink 2026-2044

KEY PRODUCER Domaine Rostaing, Côte Brune 97

£ 223 Berry Bros & Rudd,

Lay & Wheeler

Now in the hands of René’s son Pierre. Just starting to reveal its classic rose and dried flower aromas, but tightly coiled. Lovely density, but still a medium-bodied wine. Good acidity, freshness and balance, with fine, silky tannins. Great personality and classicism.

Very long. Drink 2026-2042

Domaine Rostaing, La Landonne 97 £85 (ib)-£ 135.99 Berry Bros & Rudd, Davy’s, Justerini & Brooks, Lay & Wheeler

As for all Rostaing’s Côte-Rôties: 18 months in oak, limited new oak, natural yeasts, and as many stems as possible – 100% in this case. Fresh juniper and black pepper aromas. Dense tannic base, plush texture with exceptional finesse. Long finish, no excessive alcohol. A fruity and approachable Landonne. Drink 2026-2040

Domaine JP Jamet 96

POA The Solent Cellar

A tasting of six barrels revealed a vintage with lush fruit, very ripe, but with balanced alcohol despite being higher than average. It will drink early, but should last well, too, thanks to the weight and finesse of its tannins. Good concentration and depth, but might not age with the same definition and clarity of some recent vintages. Drink 2025-2036

Domaine Bernard Burgaud 95

POA Lay & Wheeler

From a small, traditional family domaine of 4.5ha, this is round and very pure, with immediate impact. Juniper and thyme on nose and palate, over deep blackberry and loganberry fruit. Depth, concentration and length. Drink 2023-2031 Alc 13%

Domaine Chambeyron, La Chavarine 95 Dark, brooding, mineral style, with a graphite streak on the finish. Straight and focused. Oak is discreet; this is more about the fruit and, more precisely, the terroir. Real energy and thrust, well balanced with glossy fruit, fine sandy tannins and a long finish. Serious. Drink 2024-2030 Alc 14%

KEY PRODUCER Domaine du Monteillet, Les Grandes Places 95

From a 0.4ha plot planted in 1951, Grandes Places is the yang to the yin of Monteillet’s Bons Arrêts. Full-bodied, deep and darkly fruited with serious depth. Great elegance of juniper and violet, not overripe or over-rich. A Côte-Rôtie of perfect balance and good length. Drink 2024-2034