RRH241 - B

This is a blend of more than ten of Pierre Rostaing’s Côte-Rôtie parcels, including some of the best sites in the appellation. A benchmark, the 2024 is bright, energetic and packed full of flavour and structure. Drink from 2027 to 2036. 13.5%

Côte Blonde is always so appealing and inviting in the glass and the 2024 is no exception. Lots of layers of fruit and spice with a lightness of touch and a mineral core, hints of pencil shavings and a wonderful wild-strawberry perfume. Drink from 2027 to 2037. 13.5%

From the estate's younger-vine sourced fruit, this is a joy to drink with aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry and red berry, combined with a tightly wound core and so much freshness and vibrancy. Silky and perfectly formed. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 13%

I usually prefer their Rose Poupre, but this year the straight Côte-Rôtie charmed its way into my heart. 2024 was a good year for this multi-parcel blend from Ampuis, Turpin and Semons. With some viognier added to the syrah, there is a floral lift that accompanies the violets, florals and pepper spice, alongside a silky core and fine tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 12.5%

This off the beaten track appellation in the Northern Rhône’s most southern delimitation has only a handful of growers and only 40 hectares under vine. Château de la Rolière produces some incredibly good-value wines that are worthy of your attention. Black berry and blueberry notes combine with liquorice and graphite with well-integrated, chalky tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 13.5%

Pepper, kirsch and tapenade notes with a firm grip and structure. Needs time. From a field blend of old vines of 70+ years planted at high altitude. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 14%

This brother-and-sister duo makes some of the most exciting wines to come out of the appellation. Their style is on the more floral and restrained side of things and in 2024 this has produced an even more impressive result. Bright, balanced and bursting with red-berry flavours. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 14.5%

2024 might be known for being a lighter vintage, but this wine still delivers power and concentration. Rich flavours of kirsch, brambles and liquorice spice with mouthcoating tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2035. Magnums (RH77994 @£141 per three) available. 15%

This new addition is our smallest estate in the region, with only 2.5 hectares in the Pignan lieu-dit. Run by husband and wife Franck and Murielle Mousset. Grenache dominant with lots of spice, cassis and sour-cherry notes, combined with lavender and sweet spice. Concentrated yet energetic and not the least bit overpowering. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 15%

With its tapenade, pepper and spice this is a darker and richer style of Cornas with chalky tannins. From very old vines and the best barrels from La Geynale, and aged for 22 months. Drink from 2028 to 2038. 14%

Vincent Paris is a gifted winemaker and his 2024 displays delicacy and balance with a restrained concentration. So much black pepper, graphite and dark berries with a mineral core. Granit 30 refers to the gradient of the slope and comes from younger vines. Drink from 2027 to 2036. 13%

Only 4,000 bottles produced of this single vineyard wine from 80 to 100-year-old vines. There are so many layers to this complex wine, yet it needs time to truly express itself. Herbal, floral and meaty, everything you come to love about Cornas delivered in a typically elegant way from this talented winemaker. Drink from 2028 to 2037. 13%

A less powerful vintage this year, but still true to Cornas with structure and grip. Brambles and black fruits with a smoky profile. From south-facing mainly granitic slopes. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13%

100% whole-bunch fermented, this red has a floral and herbal character with a tight tannin grip. The palate is silky and more approachable in style than the more traditional, rustic expressions of Cornas. From several plots spread across three hectares, with several old-vine parcels of 70+ years. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13%

This cuvée from 100% estate fruit is a big step up from the wine we usually offer made from bought-in fruit. Expect bright, crunchy bramble fruits with some cassis and violets and a smattering of spice and black pepper. The fruit is sourced from an 80-year-old parcel, giving lots of generosity on the palate. Magnums (RH77404 @£91 per three) available. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13%

This family estate, that produces wine from three appellations, makes this fruity, easy to drink Crozes that offers so much enjoyment. Even more energy in 2024 thanks to a cooler vintage profile but still with good weight. Great value. From parcels in the Mercurol and Pont d’Isère communes in the Les Châssis, with vines planted on very stony and iron-rich soils. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13.5%

A juxtaposition of concentrated depth as well as an ethereal quality. Violet and red-fruit aromas combined with a graphite core and well-handled tannins. From a three-hectare plot of 80-year-old planted on a granitic slope at the top of the Hermitage hill. Drink from 2028 to 2040. 13.5%

The Faraud sisters run this estate, producing a single Gigondas from some of the most prized vineyards in the region, grown at altitude. Despite the cool vintage, this is a powerful wine with tapenade, brambles and garrigue exploding from the glass and firm, coating tannins. Magnums (RH77864 @£102 per three) available. Drink from 2028 to 2033. 14.5%

A longstanding estate in Gigondas now in the hands of Christophe Ay, who has taken over the winemaking from his father. They have up until now followed tradition here and only produce one cuvée, which is a blend of all the parcels surrounding their property. Structure, spice and plenty of density, thoroughly enjoyable and displaying a strong sense of place. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 14.5%

The Viale brothers have just over 1.5 hectares of Hermitage in the plots of Beaume, les Dionnières and Croix du Torras. Spending two years in oak, of which 30% is new, their Hermitage is concentrated with cassis, pencil shavings and smoky bacon notes with structured tannins and a firm grip. Drink from 2028 to 2040. 13.5%

Having grown up under the guidance of their talented father Pierre-Jean Villa, Hugo and Pauline are now also excited to have their own ‘side hustle’. At the southern limit of the northern Rhône, in Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban, this granite, limestone, gneiss and clay terroir is on a slope where it is incredibly breezy, giving lots of freshness. Expect a fruity and lively red that is gluggable with floral with lots of freshness. Drink from 2027 to 2029. Magnums (RH77084 £77 per three) available. 13%

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 2028 to 2032. Bottles (RH77051 @ £96 per six) 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. Bottles (RH77081 @£75 per six) available. Drink from 2028 to 2035. 13%

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 2033. Bottles (RH77701 @£100 per dozen) available 14%

In a vintage where there is a lighter profile to the wines, this remains full-bodied and intense. Graphite, ripe red berries, vanilla and spice with chalky, firm tannins. 100% syrah from Les Hauts Grange vineyard. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 14.5%

From 60-year-old vines, planted at an altitude of 300 metres at the northern end of the appellation on a complex terroir of schist, gneiss and granite. 40% whole-bunch fermented and aged in demi-muids, this wine feels nervy and focused with wildflowers, bay leaf, thyme, blueberry and black plum, culminating in a long finish. A classy wine indeed. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 13%

Emmanuel Darnaud is the son-in-law of the great Bernard Faurie and has inherited some prized parcels. Meaning ‘the sun that beats down’, this lieu-dit is less than two hectares of old-vine plantings, that suffered in terms of yield this year due to some pressure with coulure (shot berries), but certainly not in terms of quality. There is a dark and brooding profile with tension and focus, combined with a wild herb and flower perfume. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13%

Stéphane Robert has 2.5 hectares over 3 well positioned parcels in the villages of Tournon sur Rhône, Mauves and Glun. The 2024 is wonderfully peppery with a silkiness on the palate and bursting with red cherry and plum notes with a smattering of herbal notes coming through. Fresh and focused. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 13%

A welcome return to this estate, whose old-vine cuvée seriously impressed for its soulful character and price! Graphite and liquorice are met with kirsch cherries and firm, well-handled tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13%

This six-hectare estate is run by Julien Barge, who is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the area; a truly likeable character whose wines have real soul. There is a mineral graphite, pencil shavings and a black-pepper quality combined with smokiness and floral lift, all contributing to an unmistakable northern Rhône syrah. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13%

From an old vine vineyard co-planted with syrah and grenache this 50/50 grenache/syrah blend comes from extremely old, pre-phylloxera vines. There is cloves, brambles and plenty of spice to keep you interested, with structured tannins and a kirsch note on the finish. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13.5%

The Faraud sisters run this estate, producing a single Gigondas from some of the most prized vineyards in the region, grown at altitude. Despite the cool vintage, this is a powerful wine with tapenade, brambles and garrigue exploding from the glass and firm, coating tannins. Bottles (RH77861 @£99 per six) available. Drink from 2028 to 2037. 14.5%

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 2029 to 2035. Bottles (RH77811 @£60 per six) available. 14%

This is an exciting project started just over a decade ago by northern Rhône native Julien Cecillon and his American wife, Nancy Kerschen. Thankfully, Julien will have more volume in the future as he bought two hectares in Saint-Joseph this year. Made using 50% whole-bunch fermentation, expect plenty of florals and wild herb notes that support prominent black-pepper, cassis and bramble notes. There is a concentration that underpins this bright and lively red. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13%

This wine displays so much purity and brightness. Violets and spice come to the fore and the fine, chalky tannins provide great structure. From several parcels in the appellation. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13%

This is a year where the freshness comes through and there is a lightness of touch and a focus to the wine. Pepper notes come to the fore and there are violets and wild flowers combined with a fine-grained tannin structure. Drink from 2027 to 2038. 13%

A relatively new estate that is starting to gain recognition and improving year on year. Only 13 hectares, which means attention to detail is high. Intensely aromatic with a pot-pourri nose and lots of spice and tannin grip. This has substance. From two sloped parcels in the south of appellation bordering Cornas in Châteaubourg. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13.5%

Having grown up under the guidance of their talented father Pierre-Jean Villa, Hugo and Pauline are now also excited to have their own ‘side hustle’! This red is aged in demi-muids, with one-third of the grapes destemmed. It reflects the cooler profile of the vintage with wild herbs, pepper and wild strawberries, with a fine, chalky tannin structure. Drink from 2027 to 2029. 13%

Northern Rhône growers Villard, Gaillard and Cuilleron join forces for this project. From a mix of parcels in the town of Ampuis, mainly Combard, Lancement, Grandes Places and Côte Rosier, this is a floral Côte-Rôtie with a finesse and brightness. Spending a year in barrel, there is a spice on the finish combined with a chalky, firm grip. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 13.5%

Guillaume Clusel has created a wonderfully floral and precise benchmark Côte-Rôtie in 2024. A blend of different parcels, with 3% viognier to accompany the syrah. Violets, blueberry and black-olive notes combined with rosemary and fine, chalky tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 13.5%

A new wine of 100% mourvèdre. Not an easy grape to work with in the vineyard or winery, but this wine is a triumph. Intensely savoury, meaty and dark and brooding combined with a ripeness that coats some of the present tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 14%

Sour cherries, pomegranate, blood orange and bright red berries supported by juicy and refreshing acidity with chalky tannins. From an elevated plot with sandy soils and 70+ year-old vines. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 15%

The 2024 Tradition really stood out in the range for its energy and purity. Ripe but balanced, its fruit supported by spice, dried flowers and herbs, combined with chewy tannins. Made from 60% grenache and 40% syrah from sandy soils and 40-year-old vines. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 15%

Volume is down at this small property in 2024, but quality is high. Brambles, garrigue and plenty of charm with fine, chalky tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 15%

The Armenier sisters are slowly handing the reins over to Sophie’s son Vincent who is managing this biodynamic estate with great expertise. The wine displays all of the charm of the south with layers of garrigue and spice combined with plummy and bramble notes yet the overall feel is bright, lively with mouthcoating tannins. A grenache, mourvèdre, syrah and cinsault blend that is aged in concrete and foudres, with grapes sourced from 13 different parcels. Drink from 2028 to 2034. 14.5%

One of the top names in Châteauneuf. From 70-year-old vines on the famed La Crau plateau. Some whole-bunch fermentation gives an attractive aromatic lift to the red and black berries, blood orange and strawberry compote. Rich with firm tannins and bright acidity giving balance. Drink from 2028 to 2038. Magnums (RH78054 @£300 per three) available. 15%

Florent Viale is happy with the 2024s. A grower very much at home in the vineyards, he and his team were quick to react to any mildew pressures. Full of violet and wildflower perfume with black pepper, graphite and spice, with welcome tension from chalky, fine tannins and brisk acidity. From the oldest vines of the domaine, planted by Florent's grandparents. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13.5%

King of grenache Louis Barruol heads north in search of syrah here. From the slopes, this is a bright and energetic Crozes that adopts a purple-fruit profile with blueberries and plums and black-pepper notes. Fine tannins and crushed stone on the finish. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13%

I loved the 2023 vintage of this for bringing the Hermitage soul and the 2024 overdelivers once again. From the Les Bessards lieu-dit and 65-year-old vines, this wine really offers the best of syrah. Roses, black pepper and graphite are all wound together by chalky tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink from 2029 to 2040. 13.5%

Owned by Vieux Télégraphe, the grapes for this wine are sourced from isolated, northern parcels in Gigondas that are protected by woodland and grown at altitude, plus younger estate fruit. Brilliant perfume and energy with rose petals, violet and red-berry fruits, a hint of garrigue and supple tannins. Magnums (RH77914 @£127 per three) available. Drink from 2027 to 2034. 14.5%

This estate falls a little under the radar, but it has prime vineyards in some of the highest plots in the appellation and its winemaker, Thierry Faraval, produces wines with real precision in this sun-drenched region. The 2024 displays bright red plum and cherry, with a vivacious acidity and velvety tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 14.5%

Plums, cassis and graphite notes with some cedar and liquorice notes. A very approachable style of Hermitage that is destined for earlier drinking due to a lighter vintage. From old-vine plantings, aged in barrel (15% new) for one year. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 14%

90% Méal and 10% Greffieux, with 7-8% of white grapes co-planted from Sorrel’s oldest vines planted by Guillaume’s grandparents in 1926. Graphite, black fruits, smoky bacon and liquorice. Plenty of structure and power, with a mineral core. Drink from 2028 to 2040. 14%

Guillaume Sorrel continues to elevate this estate even further into Hermitage stardom with his precise and exhilarating wines. I only wish he made more, but alas, prime Hermitage sites don’t come up every day! This has such amazing structure and perfume: no tasting note would do it justice! A blend of Bessards and Plantiers on granite soils and 80% whole-bunch fermented. Drink from 2027 to 2040. 14%

This new addition to the range is produced by Yann Chave, with his children starting to come on board. It comes from the lieu-dits of Beaume and Péléat, with vines of more than 50 years old. This is a stunner of a wine with inky, iodine notes, a full, juicy core and great length. There is a vivacious acidity that is linked to 2024 and a concentration that comes from the best sites of Hermitage. Drink from 2029 to 2040. 14%

This is from an exciting biodynamic grower going through a generational shift with Sophie Armenier’s son Vincent now taking on more of the vineyard and winery management. A grenache, mourvèdre and syrah blend. Bright raspberry perfume with red cherries, pomegranate and wild herbs, and ripe, succulent tannins. Incredibly charming and moreish. The family own seven hectares in the Saint Laurent des Arbres area of Lirac, with the grapes aged in concrete and large foudres for 18 months. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 14%

Having been purchased by Guigal in 2022, the estate is continuing to make small changes and focusing even more on quality. Talented winemaker Ralph Garcin now at the helm is having only a positive influence with this grenache-dominant blend displaying red-berry charm with layers of rosemary and just a hint of smoke. Drink from 2027 to 2031. 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. Bottles (RH77421 @£197 per six) available. Drink from 2028 to 2039. 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. Bottles (RH77341 @ £242 per six) available. Drink from 2029 to 2040. 13%

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 2028 to 2035. Bottles (RH77841 @£77 per six) available. 14%