RRH241 - C

From the lieu-dit ‘Le Champon’ in the north of the appellation and iron-rich schist soils, this cuvée really shone this year. Aged for two years in oak barrels, of which 20% new, it comes from vines between 45 and 65 years old. With restrained concentration in 2024, it has a darker profile compared to Clusel's other cuvées, with a mineral core and graphite notes which are very pleasing. Drink from 2027 to 2035. 13%

Some new oak provides the spice, supported by a modest mid-palate weight, with the florals, peppery notes and freshness of the vintage all on display. From the steep, south-east-facing lieu-dit of Nève in the village of Ampuis. Drink from 2027 to 2037. 13%

This wine encapsulates what Cornas is all about with its rich and concentrated core, dark-berry fruits and some earthy, meaty undertones. 20% whole-bunch fermentation gives a floral lift and the tannin structure is certainly present. From two parcels on steep slopes in Mazards and Sabarotte. Drink from 2027 to 2037. 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%

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%

I wish this estate had more than 4 hectares, but then again, maybe the wines wouldn’t be as breathtaking. This isn’t your average Crozes, expect grander things to burst out of the glass. Floral, black tea, pepper and spice with a crisp acidity. 18 months ageing, no new oak and 50% de-stemmed. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 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%

Louis Barruol is happy with his 2024s and for good reason. This red oozes charm with wildflowers, herbs and liquorice with chalky tannins. The wine lasts a long time on the finish. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 14%

This wine feels atypical compared to most of the cooler 2024s, with plenty of power, spice and notable oak. There is a smoky, graphite line and blackberry fruits accompanied by structured tannins. Drink from 2029 to 2040. 14%

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%

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 2028 to 2037. Bottles (RH77991 @£140 per six) available. 15%

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. Bottles (RH77911 @£125 per six) available. Drink from 2028 to 2035. 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%

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%

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 Ch�teaubourg. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13.5%

The most focused and tightly wound of Rostaing’s wines and one for real classic northern Rhône lovers. There is a lot of tension and energy on the palate and the aromatic profile is dominated by wild flowers and herbs, combined with smokiness and graphite notes. Drink from 2027 to 2039. 13.5%

This is 60% whole-bunch fermented (usually 100%) and comes from the lieu-dit Fontgeant at altitude at Ampuis on steep slopes with 60+ year-old vines. Aromas of kirsch and red berry with crushed black pepper and iodine notes. Fine-grained tannins with energetic acidity and length. Drink from 2027 to 2038. 13%

Dried petals with brambles and kirsch notes. The tannins are grippy and need time to resolve, and there is a concentration to the mid-palate for those looking for a slightly denser 2024. From bought-in grapes, only about three barrels of this wine are produced each year. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13.5%

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%

Very limited production this year. Dark purple colour with cassis, graphite and brambles. Lots of layers with savoury spice and wild herbs. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13.5%

This is a classy and richer style of Crozes in a cooler vintage thanks to its vineyard and old vine pedigree. A monopole that sits behind the Hermitage hill in the lieu-dit Les Cornirets on granite soils this is a mini-Hermitage. Expect black olives, graphite and plenty of savoury spice with brambles notes. Structured. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13%

This is a classy and richer style of Crozes in a cooler vintage thanks to its vineyard and old vine pedigree. A monopole that sits behind the Hermitage hill in the lieu-dit Les Cornirets on granite soils this is a mini-Hermitage. Expect black olives, graphite and plenty of savoury spice with brambles notes. Structured. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 13%

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%

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%

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%

Top Crozes grower Laurent Fayolle's vines are in the northern part of the appellation, including many on steep slopes such as the Pontaix in Crozes itself. Lots of grip with quite firm tannins but with a real sense of place, and with the flavours of ripe fruit. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13%

Top Crozes grower Laurent Fayolle's vines are in the northern part of the appellation, including many on steep slopes such as the Pontaix in Crozes itself. Lots of grip with quite firm tannins but with a real sense of place, and with the flavours of ripe fruit. Drink from 2027 to 2032. 13%

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%

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 a warm site on the Hermitage hill, Le Méal shines in this cooler vintage with graphite and spice combined with thyme and blackberry fruits. The tannins are solid and there is weight to the core, but balance and precision take centre stage. Drink from 2029 to 2040. 13.5%

Packed full of garrigue, kirsch and liquorice notes with chalky, firm tannins and a juicy core. A charming grenache-dominant red (with a little syrah and mourvèdre) from old pre-phylloxera vines. Drink from 2027 to 2033. 14%

A stunner of a wine. Winemaker Louis Barroul regards this as his best vintage since 2016. So many layers of fruit and spice. Wild herbs, black olive and clove notes add complexity and intrigue. The tannins are superbly handled, and this wine is built for the long term. Drink from 2028 to 2036. 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. Bottles (RH78051 @£299 per six) available. 15%

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. Bottles (RH77041 @£90 per six) available 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. Bottles (RH77041 @£90 per six) available Drink from 2027 to 2033. 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%

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. Bottles (RH78761 @£92 per six) available. Drink from 2028 to 2035. 14.5%

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%

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%

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%

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 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%

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%

This is a wine that screams ‘terroir’ and has a sense of place. Peppery, graphite driven and with a finesse and rose perfume that is supported by fine tannins. Drink from 2027 to 2040. 13.5%

Notes PDF

Notes PDF