Esteemed by experts and wine enthusiasts alike, the Begude Bandol Rouge 2020 is a luxurious expression of the prestigious Bandol region in France. The vineyard, Domaine de la Bégude, occupies a covetable area at the highest point of this appellation, ennobling it with remarkable terroir characteristics. This inimitable blend is dominated by Mourvedre, a grape grown for its formidable structure and intensity. Complemented with Grenache and Cinsault, the Begude Bandol Rouge 2020 rewards the palate with intriguing notes of black berries and spices.

Renowned for their sustainable viticulture ethos and meticulous hand-harvesting, the Tari family, custodians of Domaine de la Bégude, achieve a wine of profound complexity and excellent ageing potential. Sticklers for organic practices and limited intervention winemaking, the wine’s vibrant expression of fruit is undeniable. Trust the Begude Bandol Rouge 2020 to enchant with its dark intensity and captivating complexity. A hallmark of French artisanal winemaking.

Matthew Jukes (18.5)

The question I am most asked every year is, “Is Whispering Angel any good?”. My answer has never changed. Yes, of course, this wine is a triumph. It is made to exacting standards, and while there is more competition these days than ever, Whispering Angel and its Esclans portfolio pals still sit atop the pile. And while some think that you can save a few quid elsewhere, and they might be right, nothing comes close to Rock Angel. Instead of defending Whispering Angel’s honour, I prefer to advise curious rosé fiends to spend a fiver more and drink Rock. Rock is not a turbo-charged version of Whispering, although that is the line most people peddle. They say this because it sees some oak, making it seem like a Whispering+. But to me, Rock Angel is more clearly related to the Estate range of wines – those that come from the Chateau d’Esclans itself. All these wines (Chateau d’Esclans, Les Clans and Garrus) are made using oak, and their fruit is of the highest quality; hence, pricing ranges from £40-£140. Rock Angel swings in under £25 if you search hard enough, and I believe it is the finest value, ‘grand-tasting’ rosé around. It has a stunning volume of fruit, seamless, indulgent and impressively long.

Vinous (96)

I am utterly blown away by the 2010 Alpilles Rouge, a re-release from the winery’s cellar. Still so fresh and vibrant, the 2010 is just stunning in its beauty today. Time in bottle has brought with it lovely complexity, especially in the aromatics. On the palate, though, the 2010 is so young. Swaths of tannin and bright acids suggest the 2010 still needs time to be at its best. As for the wine’s pedigree and quality, those are unmistakably world-class. Readers who can find the 2010 should not hesitate. It’s one of the rare values in fine, ageworthy red wine. This bottle was released from the domaine in 2020.

Vinous (94)

The 2014 Alpilles Rouge is in a gorgeous place right now. Dried herbs, rose petal, mint, sweet red cherry, licorice and pipe tobacco give the 2014 tremendous aromatic nuance and overall presence. The 2014 is an especially mid-weight, gracious Trévallon that is just starting to drink well. While it may not have the richness of some of the other vintages in this report, the 2014 is exquisitely beautiful today. I expect it will age gracefully on its acids and overall balance.

Exemplifying visionary winemaking, the Trevallon Alpilles Rouge 2018 is a splendid embodiment of French finesse. Hailing from Domaine de Trevallon in the Les Baux-de-Provence, it's a duet of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, farmed organically and hand-harvested. The terroir, defined by limestone cliffs and a unique microclimate, imbues this rouge with unparalleled character.

Matured for 24 months in oak-spiced maturity, the Alpilles Rouge 2018 captures all the intensity of its vintage whilst expressing its maker's ardour for finesse and balance. Its garnet robe, boisterous with dark berries, run into a multi-layered palate, tingling with notes of blackcurrant, graphite, and truffle, culminating in a powerfully tannic finale.

For over four decades, Trevallon's Eloi Dürrbach has been pushing boundaries, his signature blending approach challenging traditional winemaking narrative and authenticating this bottle as the quintessential Trevallon Alpilles Rouge 2018.

From the iconic Provence region, the Trevallon Alpilles Rouge 2020 is a true testament of French oenological mastery. This impeccable wine is the outcome of organic farming practices and rigorous biodynamic principles, showcasing the dedication to purity typical of Domaine de Trévallon. Bursting with flavours of red fruit, the spirited vibrancy of the vintage is gracefully balanced with an underlying mineral note. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are harmoniously blended, aged in oak for 24 months to fully develop a complex character that is both elegant and robust.

Eloi Dürrbach is the visionary behind this masterpiece; a producer committed to exploring the true potential of Provence's terroir, utterly disregarding the typical use of Grenache. Each bottle echoes the rich character of the Trévallon estate, setting the bar for vintners worldwide.

Unwind and relish the Trevallon Alpilles Rouge 2020, an exemplar of high-quality French wine brimming with power, depth, and subtlety.