Vinous (94)

Opaque ruby. Powerful, mineral-accented black and blue fruit, olive and allspice aromas are energized by a suave floral overtone. Fleshy, juicy and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated black currant, cherry liqueur, fruitcake and floral pastille flavors that tighten up with aeration. Densely packed yet energetic as well, finishing with sharp delineation, steadily building tannins and excellent persistence.

Vinous (94)

Inky ruby. Heady blackberry, cherry and olive scents show excellent definition and a smoky mineral flourish. Densely packed but energetic black and blue fruit liqueur flavors are complemented by a candied violet flourish; an exotic spice nuance emerges with air. Shows excellent concentration and no excess weight, finishing with bright mineral cut, harmonious tannins and floral-driven persistence.

Experience the sublime finesse and profound complexity of the 'Alain Verset Cornas 2021', a remarkable manifestation of the distinguished Rhône wine heritage. Artisan winemaker Alain Verset, capitalised on his vast knowledge of local terroir, producing this divine nectar from 100% Syrah grapes, intricately hand-harvested from old vines rooted deep in granite soils around Cornas, France.

Undergoing traditional maceration, hand-pressing and nurturing in old oak barrels, the 'Alain Verset Cornas 2021' reveals layered nuances of succulent dark fruits, whispering suggestions of violets, intertwined with undertones of smoked meat and enticing spices.

Regarded highly in global wine circles for its depth and longevity, this vintage is an intimate expression of intricate French winemaking at its apex. The 'Alain Verset Cornas 2021' is a captivating symphony to be savoured, delineating a narrative of meticulous craftsmanship showcasing the quintessence Cornas terroir.

Decanter (95)

This smells liked the baked slopes of Cornas; sun-warmed pine needles and dusty herbs, with a dab of tarry black fruit within. It has that raw, blood and iron Cornas character, backed by some slightly earthy, resinous scents. Full-bodied, it has a lovely freshness on the palate. It's mineral and tannic, bristling and writhing, with significant but not oversized savoury tannins on the finish. A good pick this year, especially as it will be good in its youth but also age well.

Vinous (93)

Glass-staining ruby. Mineral-accented cherry and dark berry scents, along with hints of smoked meat, violet and cracked pepper. Broad, fleshy cassis and bitter cherry flavors show very good depth and take on a smoky nuance on the back half. In an ample but lively style, with solid floral thrust and smooth tannins that frame the persistent finish.

Vinous (94)

Inky ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of dark berry liqueur, incense and peony are energized by a smoky mineral flourish. Sweet and seamless in texture, offering densely packed blackberry and cherry compote flavors and suggestions of candied violet, spicecake and chewing tobacco. The floral and mineral notes resonate emphatically on an impressively long, penetrating finish that features mounting tannins and a sweet hint of cola.

Vinous (95)

Vivid purple. Displays expansive, finely detailed aromas of blueberry, kirsch, black pepper, violet and exotic spices, with hints of olive and cola in the background. Fleshy and broad in the mouth, offering deeply concentrated black and blue fruit preserve, smoky bacon and floral pastille flavors that are lifted and brightened by a building mineral nuance. Chewy and appealingly sweet on the strikingly persistent finish, which features youthfully chewy tannins and resonating florality.

Wine Advocate (93+)

Brought up in 20% new oak, the 2013 Condrieu Coteau du Chery is a bigger, richer, more concentrated wine in the vintage than the Clos Chanson (which is the opposite from 2014). A touch unruly at the moment and in need of six to 12 months in bottle, it offers serious notes of caramelized stone fruits, apple blossom and honeysuckle to go with full-bodied richness, a big mid-palate, and plenty of cut and definition on the finish. It should be at its best from 2017-2021.

Vinous (95)

Translucent yellow. Seductively perfumed aromas of passion fruit, pear nectar, white peach and orange zest, along with suggestions of jasmine and tarragon. At once concentrated and lively, offering vibrant, mineral-laced orchard and pit fruit flavors that are complicated by a suave, steadily building floral nuance. Finishes with a strong jolt of minerality, repeating florality and noteworthy persistence. This wine's blend of power and finesse is quite something.

James Suckling (98)

A more floral and perfumed wine than the 2015 Renaissance. Violets add interest to plenty peppery red plums and wild red berries. Darker berries, graphite and stony notes, too. So much here. The palate arrives in silky ribbon-like mode, it has a very long core of blackberries, licorice and spiced plum flavors. Superior definition in the tannin department. A taut finish. Drink from 2025.

Vinous (96-97)

Spice- and mineral- accented dark berry, smoky bacon and floral pastille scents show excellent delineation and pick up deeper licorice and olive paste notes with air. Sappy and expansive in the mouth, offering juicy boysenberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show outstanding depth and are lifted by a potent mineral flourish. Powerful yet lively in character, delivering solid finishing thrust and closing with noteworthy tenacity and youthfully chewy tannins that build steadily.

Vinous (97-98)

Glass-staining ruby. Intensely perfumed dark berry preserve, violet oil, olive, cured meat and woodsmoke scents show fine definition and vibrant spice- and mineral-driven lift. Offers palate-staining, spice-laced blackberry, bitter cherry, fruitcake and violet pastille flavors that deepen and open up steadily through the midpalate, while maintaining energy. The strikingly long, penetrating finish features youthfully chewy tannins, a sweet touch of cola and lingering floral and exotic spice qualities. All whole clusters and no new oak, as usual.

Vinous (94)

Opaque ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of dark berry liqueur, succulent flowers, olive paste and baking spices show very good clarity and mineral lift. Juicy blackberry, kirsch, chewing tobacco and floral pastille flavors display sharp definition and take on a smoky aspect with air. The long, energetic finish features building tannins and resonating spice, smoke and mineral nuances.

Vinous (95-96)

Dark violet. Offers dark berry preserves, fruitcake, smoky minerals, olive and pungent flower notes on the highly perfumed nose. Stains the palate with sappy black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors; black pepper and mineral accents add lift and back-end cut. Quite deep but energetic as well, finishing on a building tannic note and with impressive, dark fruit-dominated persistence.

Jancis Robinson (16.5)

Fragrant, spicy, fairly light compared with Famille Perrin's Gigondas and Vinsobres cuvées. Still a closed book, but the clarity of fruit is very promising.

Wine Advocate (91-93)

Tasted as a sample blended from several foudres, the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel features scents of sun-warmed stones and ripe raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, it's plush and open-knit, already giving a lot of pleasure, and finishing zesty and long.

Decanter (92)

A well-balanced, perfectly ripe, very fresh expression this year. Fine tannins, with good grip, harmonious acidity and dark streak of concentrated fruit into the finish. You'll be glad you bought some of this. Not hugely deep or hugely complex, but beautifully balanced. 30% Grenache, 30% Mourv

Jeb Dunnuck (91)

Bottled a month ago, the 2020 Côtes Du Rhône Coudoulet sports a vivid ruby hue and is a blend of 30% each of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, with the balance Cinsault. It’s a ripe, rounded, medium to full-bodied effort that has lots of ripe red and blue fruits as well as notes of peppery garrigue and leather. Drink this juicy, elegant Côtes Du Rhône over the coming decade.

Famille Perrin Tasting note: A fabulous year for the reds of Coudoulet of Beaucastel. Full-bodied, lush, velvety in texture, featuring notes cherry and plum paste, laced with stony minerality and garrigue accents. Very balanced wine with beautiful tannins. The finish has great length and very complex.

Vinous (93)

Bright violet. Expressive aromas of cherry cola, red berries, pungent herbs and lavender, plus a hint of smoked meat in the background. Shows strong, energetic lift to the bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors, which turn sweeter through the back half. Closes with strong tenacity and interwoven tannins that lend discreet, firming grip.

Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)

Moving to the old vine cuvée, which is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Mourvèdre, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes reveals a deeper ruby/purple color as well as a richer, slightly more powerful bouquet of blackcurrants, jammy black cherries, roasted garrigue, black licorice, and assorted background notes of spicy meatiness. It’s full-bodied and has a beautiful mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. This is another classic yet ripe, pure, and beautifully balanced wine from this estate that will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 15+ years or more.

Introducing the exquisite Brunier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Clos Roquete 2021. This distinguished white wine is produced within the celebrated Clos la Roquète vineyard, in France’s iconic Rhône region. The Brunier family, distinguished vignerons since the 19th century, artfully blend regional varietals Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Bourboulenc to create this masterpiece. Profoundly alluring, this unique wine captures the vibrant intensity of mother nature.

The 2021 batch illustrates the winemaker's refined touch. Lower yield grape selection and meticulous fermentation in oak foudres confer unparalleled structure, depth, and a peerlessly smooth finish. Delicate aromas of honeysuckle, white peach and minerality typify the palate, leading to a perfectly balanced, fresh and complex finish.

Beyond painting an authentic portrait of the sun-drenched Southern Rhône terroir, the Brunier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Clos Roquete 2021 is a testament to the Brunier family's enduring legacy and passion for viniculture.