RRH241 - A

This is a blend of 65% grenache and 35% syrah, and is quite lovely: full of flavour, with hints of Provence herbs and fig. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 14.5%

One of the highlights of the vintage. Pierre Burgaud took over this small five-hectare estate from his father in 2020 and comes across as hugely knowledgeable about this majestic appellation. Still following tradition, he only makes one cuvée from all his small parcels from La Brosse, Fontgeant, Les Moutonnes, Le Champin, Côte Blonde, Bodin and Leyat. There is some spice from some new oak that is supported rather pleasingly by wild berries, blood orange and hints of pepper and liquorice. The tannins are fine grained and there is much energy on the finish. Magnums (RH77424 @£198 per three) available. Drink from 2027 to 2037. 13%

A southern red from the northern Rhône master, this is a juicy, fruit-forward red and quaffable wine that delivers pure satisfaction. From fruit grown in Vinsobres, Séguret and the surrounding areas, sourced using Jean Louis’ many connections in the region. Drink from 2027 to 2029. 14.5%

Working biodynamically and organically, Pablo is keeping his project small to be able to maintain quality and care in the vineyard and winery. From cooler, east-facing limestone slopes, this blend of grenache and syrah displays wonderful purity and energy, and has a lightness of touch without losing its southern charm and roots. The wines are getting quite the following and volumes are small, but we are lucky enough to have secured an allocation. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 14.5%

A really brooding Cairanne with ink, tapenade, brambles and violets. The tannins are mouthcoating and there is a generous dose of acidity that brings a tension to this fabulous red from a star estate. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 14%

Wow. This is full of character and complexity. Violets, tapenade, black cherry, smoky and liquorice notes with present tannins. A grenache, syrah and mourvèdre blend from several high-altitude plots of old vines between 50 and 90 years old, which goes into concrete and large oak. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 14.5%

I couldn’t recommend this grower highly enough, with vineyards a stone’s throw from Rayas and a truly capable winemaker. A bright expression of the vintage with violets, pomegranate, liquorice, leather and garrigue, supported by supple tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 14.5%

For a producer that is famed for its northern Rhône dominance, this Châteauneuf-du-Pape should not be ignored. It is juicy with brambles, spice and garrigue notes, and it feels lively on the palate and well balanced. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 14.5%

Nicolas Serette has only two hectares of Cornas, many vines over 100 years old and a winery just next to the church in the village. This is a brooding, brambly, concentrated and savoury style of Cornas with plenty of meatiness for the old-school Cornas fans among you! Drink from 2028 to 2038. 13%

From the domaine’s oldest plantings on the slopes of Combe, Patou, La Côte, Les Mazards and Chaillot lieu-dits. The Fontaines Vielles Vignes, from extremely old vines on granite slopes, wasn’t made this year and has gone into this cuvée giving additional complexity and concentration. 20% whole bunch, with a small amount of new oak this wine is thrilling and showcases its appellation perfectly. Black olive, rosemary and smoky notes combine with liquorice and firm, structured tannins. Magnums (RH77344 @ £244 per three) available. Drink from 2028 to 2038.

Another new addition from a small grower who trained under the tutelage of the great Alain Voge. Only a small estate of less than ten hectares, the Cornas sees a mix of destemmed and whole-bunch fruit depending on the age of the vines and where they are positioned on the slope. Violets, black-pepper and meaty notes are supported with a chewy tannin structure and wild-herb lift. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13%

Having taken over from her father, Emmanuelle has reinvigorated this small four-hectare estate. Her vineyards are in sought-after sites and she is gradually improving vineyard and cellar operations. Currently rebuilding dry stone walls in some of her steepest terraces, she is most at peace here in the vineyards, where she adopts traditional methods. A vintage that has lots of spice and pepper as well as concentration. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13%

In the village of Larnage, in the northern part of the appellation, Domaine Dumaine is a small but mighty Crozes estate that has vineyards planted on steep, granitic slopes of predominately 50+ year-old vines. I thoroughly enjoyed an evening walk through this vineyard and visiting the ‘Croix du Verre’, where winegrowers used to leave a glass of wine for passing pilgrims. Brambles, black olives and thyme supported with firm, chalky tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13.5%

A crowd-pleasing red full of crunchy cassis and blackcurrant notes combined with black-pepper spice and chalky tannins. From the Les Chassis area of Crozes and aged exclusively in concrete vats. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 13%

Siblings Hugo and Pauline Villa work with their father but are also cutting the apron strings with their own project and a chance to show their perspective on the region. This Crozes is 100% destemmed and aged in a mix of concrete and large barrels. It is peppery, full of bright raspberry and red cherry notes with zesty acidity and fine tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2029. 12.5%

From old, pre-phylloxera vines that provide concentration and presence, this bramble-fruited red is full of character with sweet and savoury spice. The tannins are mouthcoating and the length is long. This is a benchmark Gigondas from a top estate. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 14%

A fleshy, bramble-fruited Gigondas with notes of liquorice and rosemary notes, and firm tannins. 70% grenache and 15% each of syrah mourvèdre, grown on limestone soil on the slopes at the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Drink from 2027 to 2033. Magnums (RH77844 @£79 per three) available. 14%

Ventebren is produced from the estate’s oldest parcels. It takes a rather special winemaker to produce a wine that has power and presence seem light and ethereal. It’s floral yet brooding, wild yet focused. A blend of 70% grenache (including vines of 120 years of age!), 20% syrah and 10% cinsault. Drink from 2028 to 2040. 14%

This great producer's straight Gigondas will stop you in your tracks, overdelivering for its price with density, ripeness of fruit and layers of spice and incense. The tannins are firm and when they resolve, this wine will be an absolute delight to drink. Drink from 2028 to 2036. 15%

Following the sell out success of last year, we have secured as much as we get our hands on of this Vin de France that sits on the plains of Cornas and therefore outside of the appellation and some young vine St Joseph. There is an attractive smokiness supported with cassis, black cherries and liquorice spice and chalky tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2029. 13%

2024 is the inaugural year of Laudun being a cru and what a vintage to start with! Southern charm of garrigue and tapenade combined with brambles and spice. Energetic. Drink from 2027 to 2032. Magnums (RH77604 @£77 per six) available. 13.5%

A baby 'Côte-Rôtie' from a talented grower with the vines located on the steep slopes, just outside of the appellation. For those waiting for their Côte-Rôtie to come around, this is a great option with its bright, fruit forward profile oozing with violets, red cherry notes with hints of pepper and herbs. Drink from 2027 to 2029. 13.5%

Low yield due to flowering issues (coulure) but concentration and density high this year. Blackberry fruits and spice with ripe tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2030. 14%

There is no Vieilles Vignes in 2024 due to low production. The Grande Réserve from old vines in the Massif d’Uchaux appellation is a delight this year. There is density and a weight to the wine that is carefully managed with structured tannins and a freshness that can be attributed to its proximity to the forest. Black olives, black fruits and layers of sweet and savoury spice. Drink from 2027 to 2030. 14.5%

Hélène Thibon runs this biodynamic and organic estate based in Saint-Marcel d’Ardèche on the right bank of the Rhône. It’s a wonderfully calming place, surrounded by olive trees, beehives, fields of hay and grains, and flower and vegetable gardens. Her wines are as mesmerising and calming as the environment they come from, with this grenache, syrah and mourvèdre blend displaying sour cherries, cranberries and wild strawberries with chalky tannins and spice on the finish. Drink from 2027 to 2029. 14%

Madeline Ferran is doing great things at this Rasteau estate. The 2024 vintage has a lightness of touch, but that is also her style coming through. Wild herbs, flowers and red fruit with a silkiness on the palate and fine tannins. Aged exclusively in clay amphorae. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 14.5%

Cranberry and pomegranate notes with pencil shaving and sweet spice. The tannins are grippy and there is a freshness thanks to the altitude and the vintage. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 14.5%

Chave’s Sélection wines are fast becoming my most recommended for those looking for benchmark styles at affordable prices. Lots of young-vine fruit from top sites in Tournon, Mauves and Saint Jean-de-Muzols is making its way into this wine. Violets, black pepper and rose petals dominate the aromatic profile with finesse and lightness on the palate. Plenty of energy. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13.5%

Brambles, cherries and liquorice with a hint of crushed black pepper. Approachable. From various plots in the appellation such as Tournon, Mauves and Charnas, as well as young vine-fruit from top sites and aged largely in demi-muids, with 20% in concrete. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13%

From the steep slopes near the beautiful Dentelles de Montmirail, a fresh zone within the southern Rhône. Winemaker Corrina picks early and in 2024 that really produces an energetic and precise red that is full of crushed strawberries, redcurrants and blood-orange notes. The palate is fine and the tannins are supple. Drink from 2027 to 2030. 14.5%

Rich, darkly fruited and with ripe tannins, this is an enjoyable southern red that provides lots of enjoyment. From old vines in the heart of Vinsobres and aged in barrel. Drink from 2027 to 2032. Magnums (RH77704 @ £107 per six) available 14%

This old-vine grenache is juicy and full of charm. Brambles and liquorice lead the way with a concentrated core, but with a good dose of acidity to keep the wine in check. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 14%

From an old hunting estate where this vineyard is surrounded by Châteauneuf vineyards, but designations dictate that they are outside of the appellation. This is a lovely energetic, fruity and spicy wine with plenty of character for the price. Thoroughly enjoyable southern red. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 14.5%

Going through a generational change, this biodynamically and organically run estate is based in Vinsobres, with vines planted at altitude and producing juicy, generous and quaffable wines from top sites in the region. This Saint Maurice is spicy, plummy and has plenty of density and supple tannins yet is vibrant and not at all over-powering. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 14.5%

There is a freshness that underpins this wine, likely from its 400-metre altitude, but it is ultimately a wine from the south: rich, wild and structured. 80% grenache and 20% mourvèdre, this spends 18 months in concrete and large foudres. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 14%

Having tasted lots of older vintages this year, I am in no doubt that this wine will take on even more layers and complexity and enjoyment in a few years’ time. From old vines at the property, this is a wine that gives you a lot for your money. Richly textured with sour cherries, plums and brambles. Powerful yet not overpowering. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 14.5%

This small eight-hectare estate has produced an energetic Côtes-du-Rhône in 2024, with redcurrants, cherries, red plums and a touch of spice. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 15%

Pomegranate, sour cherries, bacon, liquorice and black olive layers with chalky tannins. From some the estate’s oldest vineyard plots in Cairanne, this is now produced by Château Mont-Redon in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 14%

The younger generation are starting to take over here under the careful guidance of their parents. This estate is one to watch and offers great value. Bursting with brambles, dark plums, gravel, spice and floral notes and supported with chunky tannins and a savoury and meaty element on the finish. A blend of grenache, syrah and mourvèdre, aged in large foudres for a year. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 14.5%

2024 is notably restrained compared to the generous 2023, with slightly more spice and a firmer tannic grip thanks to more demi-muids ageing. Lots of spice and ripe red-berry perfume. From old vines, with some from the famous La Crau plateau. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 15%

A new addition to our en primeur offer. Yields were heartbreaking low here at 7hl/ hectare due to mildew pressure throughout the growing season. A small but mighty red from this young winemaker, this has restrained concentration and a silky core with bright cherries, cranberries and wild flowers on the nose and fine tannins on the palate. Drink from 2027 to 2036. 14.5%

This is Voge’s entry-level Cornas. Ready to drink earlier, it comes from their younger vines (albeit 40 years old) and a blend of their parcels at the bottom of the slopes including Les Mazards, Saint Pierres and Les Chaillots. 100% destemmed and aged in oak for 18 months, this wine has a finesse and lightness on the palate and layered with pepper, red berries and a floral lift. Drink from 2027 to 2036. 12.5%

With grapes coming from a smorgasbord of plots from the appellation including some old vines from Champelrose and Saumon. Bright and intense cassis and violet notes supported with layers of thyme, graphite and smoky notes. Tannins are pronounced yet the core is concentrated, with lots going on in the glass. Drink from 2027 to 2036. 13.5%

It is a welcome return for Thalabert, having chosen to skip the 2023. The freshness of the vintage comes through in terms of mid-palate weight with aromas of wild strawberry and hints of smoky bacon and spice. Drink from 2027 to 2031. Magnums (RH77054 @£105 per three) available. 13%

Emmaunel likes the 2024s describing them as more structured and dynamic compared to 2022 and 2023 with lots of floral aromatics. Liquorice, graphite and wildflower perfume with fine grained tannins and a chalky acidity. Aged in oak for 18 months, this is a barrel selection cuvée. Magnums (RH77084 @£77 per three) Drink from 2027 to 2034. 13%

There is real value and charm to be found in Rousset's straight Crozes-Hermitage (from steep slopes just behind the Hermitage hill) this year and worthy of an en primeur entry. Its bright red-cherry, pomegranate and red-berry perfume is supported with a fine-grained tannin and delicate core. From the villages of Érome, Crozes and Gervans and 10% in oak and 100% destemmed. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13%

Blackberry, liquorice, thyme and fennel notes, supported by ripe, grippy tannins. The grapes are sourced from the estate’s oldest vines and some of their highest plots. Magnums (RH78764 @£95 per three) available. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 14.5%

Talented young winemaker Paul Fumoso has been making the wine here in 2020 and is really entering his stride. Texture is his real focus and the 2024 is bright, fresh and frankly rather exciting. Blood orange, wild strawberries and a mineral, graphite core with fine-grained tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 14%

The Tradition deserves a spot in our en primeur offer. Jean-Baptiste Meunier is happy with the end result in 2024 and quite rightly so. There is power to the wine (slightly less alcohol than in 2023) and layers of complexity, with blueberry, cassis, kirsch and fennel notes supported by firm tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2037. 14%

A wine that transports you to the Provence countryside, with its aromas of wild fennel, thyme, flowers, black olive and cedar spice. There is a freshness and vibrancy at the heart of this medium-weight, along with chalky tannin grip and a savoury presence on the finish. Delicious. Drink from 2027 to 2037. 13%

Lirac really is my go-to for great-value, succulent reds and Maby is consistently good year after year. Bursting with flavour with spice and cedar from the oak, this is a juicy and well-rounded red. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 14.5%

2024 is the inaugural year of Laudun being a cru and what a vintage to start with! Southern charm of garrigue and tapenade combined with brambles and spice. Energetic. Drink from 2027 to 2032. Bottles (RH77601 @ £68 per dozen) available 13.5%

Very impressive this year. Made exclusively from young-vine fruit, from both the Jaboulet estate and bought-in grapes. The red-berry perfume shines through and the palate is restrained with subtle layers of pencil shavings and black pepper. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 13%

This is an exciting new addition from talented winemaker Jean-Claude Marsanne, whose name reveals his deep-rooted connections to the region. With just under ten hectares, this small estate flies under the radar, despite its fortunate vineyard holdings in the appellation. Bright, fresh and tightly wound with rose, black-pepper and blood-orange notes. The tannins are fine grained but with presence and the wine is elegant and moreish. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13%

Based in the village of Mauves, Fabrice Gripa makes structured and soulful Saint-Joseph. Brambles, black olives, graphite and black cherries are in abundance and the tannins are chalky with an energetic acid profile that provides the perfect backbone. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13.5%

A consistently delicious red that expresses the warmth and wildness of the region combined with the freshness of the vintage. From two old-vine parcels planted at altitude and aged in barrel and concrete. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 14.5%

In the heart of the Seyssuel appellation, Villa's 15-year-old syrah vines help produce a lively and bright red. 30% whole-bunch fermented in 2024, this is a floral and fruity red with rosemary notes and a crisp core. Drink from 2027 to 2030. 13%

Syrah from a windy, east-west-exposed parcel accounts for 90% of this blend. The vines are protected from the excessive afternoon heat by the hillside, giving a wine with ripe cherries, cassis, tapenade and firm, gravelly tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 14%

A savoury Vacqueyras with black olives, spice and some brambles and garrigue notes. From old vines surrounding the estate, this has firm, evident tannins that will need time to resolve. Drink from 2028 to 2034. Magnums (RH77814 @£62 per three) available. 14%