Rhône 2017: the South

This has an accessible, juicy and spicy profile from the Grenache (65%) and Syrah (30%), with a savoury, meaty note thanks to the 5% Mourvèdre. The wine shows great typicity, with a ripe black-fruit character combined with slightly rustic tannins. Drink now to 2021.
Fiona Hayes, Rhône Buyer

This product is included in our mix and match offer, which is available until 31st December. Choose 12 bottles from this selection for £200 or 24 bottles for £380.

The nose of this wine is very pure, with cool dark berry fruit aromas with plenty of garrigue. The palate reveals more concentrated blackberry flavours complemented by fresh rosemary and thyme. The abundant tannins are well-managed, fine and ripe, framed by Cabotte’s signature elegant acidity which makes its wines both refined and digeste. This is one for the dinner table. Drink now to 2023.
Oliver Barton, Buyer Assistant

A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre, this wine is back in 2017 – not having been made in 2016 due to poor flowering. It offers a complex blend of wild strawberries, red cherries and sweet-spice undertones. There is a density and concentration to the nose, neatly balanced by a silky texture and chalky, firm tannins. Drink now to 2026.
Fiona Hayes, Rhône Buyer

Laurent has increased his vineyard holdings in Vacqueyras by 1.5 hectares. The eight-hectare total, spread over several parcels, makes up this blend of Grenache (65%), Mourvèdre (20%) and Syrah (15%). Dark plum and red cherry notes take on a supporting role in relation to a dominant herbal character, with hints of lavender. The rich and concentrated core is balanced by juicy acidity and firm, powdery tannins. Drink now to 2023.

This unique cuvee is made entirely from Clairette, spending 10 months in old oak barrels – not to impart oak flavours, but rather to allow micro-oxygenation which stabilises the wine and allows it to develop additional complexity. The resulting wine has a very mineral nose, with herbs and a hint of camomile. The palate starts gently with more mineral notes, but builds to very pure stone and citrus fruit notes, all in balance with the crisp acidity. Drink now to 2022.
Oliver Barton, Buyer Assistant

This is a wonderful example of what good-value Gigondas can offer. The intensity of aromatics with liquorice, kirsch, rosemary and thyme is inviting and persists on the finish. While the fruit concentration is powerful, there is a touch of sweetness and spice on the mid-palate, the tannins powdery and firm, providing balance and focus. Drink now to 2024.
Fiona Hayes, Rhône Buyer

The Réserve des Seigneurs has significantly less Grenache this year (40%), with a higher proportion of Mourvèdre (40%) and Syrah (20%) compared to the 2016. This has not been detrimental to this delicious cuvee, however, with opulent layers of pepper, violet and black fruit combined with liquorice spice. A luxurious, silky texture is complemented by fine-grained, powdery tannins and brisk acidity. Drink now to 2025.
Fiona Hayes, Rhône Buyer