25% of phylloxera-ravaged Chablis was replanted in the late 1800s with young vines from the Vullien nursery; 100% pinot noir from dark Jurassic limestone and black marl soils in the Combe de Savoie; unoaked. Medium dark red violet. Very savory of high altitude pinot. Epitome of the vernacular. That special savor carries over on the palate too, both flavor wise and texture wise. Couldn't be more emblematic. 92/100. Positive attendee comments. 'Mountain weight, fully ripe, fine tannins, fine length, black cherry finish.' At 24 hours: 'Black cherry even more evident on the nose. Cool climate acidity. Again the length deserves praise. A touch of grip; a year or two might burnish its structure.'

All jacquere; 6 generation family estate. Lovely and forthcoming jacquere pear like aroma. A plump and generous vintage here. 2023 sweet fruited on the palate too. Flavorful. Fine acidity for balance. The texture is more noted than ever this vintage. A plus. Due to generation change? I'm all for it. Best and most 'important' vintage yet. 92/100. Well liked by attendees, especially for its varietal accuracy and intensity.

All jacquere; est. 1950s; vines 70-75 years old. Nice to have a young and fresh Richel jacquere and one from a fruit forward vintage. The old vines intensity and compactness is there as always. Just more fruit padding to this one. Ever more fruit plushness on the palate. Good acid too, and that old vines buffering extract. Full textured, well balanced, lasting. 92/100. Liked by all. 'Good and typical flavor; nice acid and length.' 'Fresh mountain air nose; stony rich palate.' 'Old vines concentration.' 'Perfect hot summer night white; refreshing, moderate alcohol.'

Boy, that's a splashy nose! A little apple blossom ferment aroma yet. Rest is solid. Again, the ferment aspect. This has the basis of a fine summer white if given a few more weeks. The acid/sweet balance is good. 91+/100. Tasted 6/6/24.

On dark Jurassic limestone and black marl with a pebbly topsoil layer of scree; no malo; 40 years of winegrowing and generations in the vine nursery business; 25% of Chablis' post phylloxera chardonnay vines came from the Vullien nursery This is full, especially for jacquere and altitude. More mineral than fruit. Even flow on palate, and material and texture in support. Always one of the best textured of its genre. Has grip, as well as soft fruit forgiveness. Steady winner. 91/100.

From vineyards around Cornas and Saint Joseph; unoaked. Dark red violet of course. Slight tone of reduction but not nearly as much as in vintages prior to 2021. Rich black raspberry syrah. Dash of white pepper. More pepper on the zesty palate. Flavorful. Good acid. Light tannin to shed. Every vintage is different. 91+/100.

Vines planted 1995 - 2007; aged 8 months in seasoned demi muids. Class northern Rhone syrah nose of black raspberry and white pepper. Cool 2024 disposition. Less flavor than aroma definition at this point. I've enjoyed this over several vintages and will continue to do so. 92+/100.

Nephew of Cornas winegrower Robert Michel; from young vines in Crozes Hermitage. Medium dark red violet. This has more constitution and depth than the 2022 tasted recently. A better display of the region's syrah aromatic range. So more charm to this, as well as definition. Yes, fruitier and more forthcoming than the 2022. It's still of medium weight, as projected by the modest alcohol content (12.5%). All the same, this has much more current appeal. Good acidity, length of flavor. 91+/100. Well liked by the group and preferred to the 2022. 'Not too fruity; well done.'

The cool raciness that is St. Joe. The dark fruit concentrate that is Mauves St. Joe. Plus Chave class. Oh, boy, that is one serious, meaty St Joe. Has AOC race and vigor too. Chave is simply a master. Yes, this flows in St. Joe fashion, max of the northern Rhone AOCs. Classic, southern St. Joe plentitude. Fullness, material, and generosity are its fortes. Not tannic, but age for more bouquet complications. 93+/100.

2020: Southernmost domaine of Saint Joseph, on the border with Cornas; a portion aged in barrels, 20% new, the rest 2 ? 4 years old. Heavy Bottle Award. Dark red violet. Oh, is that intense Saint Joe syrah. I mean, it has Saint Joe elegance but in a highly concentrated form. Shows the way for southern Saint Joes. There seems to be some Cornas bulk to it. Yes, a walloping mouthful of Saint Joe take on syrah. The tannins are not aggressive; still, this has yards of bottle bouquet development to go. Glad this great estate is back in the market. 94+/100. WOTN for several attendees. 'Similarities to Cornas; quite a lot of wine here.' 'A very fine wine.' 'Nice Syrah!!! Real substance, real quality fruit length. Certainly bigger than I had expected.'

Parker 92: 'Interestingly, the 2020 Saint Joseph Les Coteaux was presented both as a bottled wine in my blind tasting (where I rated it 92 points) and as a couple of barrel samples at the domaine, from Chateaubourg and Glun (I rated each of these 90 ? 92). The wine kicks off with vibrant, mouthwatering aromas of violets, mixed berries and anise, and it's medium to full-bodied, with melted, supple tannins, a creamy mouthfeel and a long, intense finish that hints at dark chocolate, salted licorice and crushed stones. It delivers plenty of concentrated flavor and should drink well for at least a decade.'

Dark red violet. Full and black fruited for St. Joe, but not without lift and coolness. Young. Full, fine grained tannin. The material is there; a waste to drink now. 92+/100.

From granitic soil at Mauves; 60% roussanne, 40% marsanne; vine age 5 - 60 years; aged 14 months in barriques. Oh, boy, nostril filling presence. And power beyond its statement. Fulfills varietal component expectations and is very ample for St. Joe blanc. Yes, equally profound in flavor and texture. I'm sure the barrels are seasoned. The wine is not 'woody' but it gains from time in barrel and subtle seasonings. Fruitier than the fine 2022 (which was tasted later in life), and just as desirable. 94+/100.

Deep and meaty, especially for cool 2021. I'll bet very little Grand Vin was made, and this cuvee benefitted from that. Elegance, class, flow, and gentle tannins of 2021. Great winemaking here, as usual. 93+/100.

2019: Louis Barruol-Kermit Lynch joint project; 80 year old marsanne vineyard near the top of the hillside on limestone; fermented in Burgundy barrels; unfined, unfiltered. This is more advanced than the 2020 tasted a few weeks back. Year older, plus an earlier maturing vintage. It's not suffering from the mid life crisis of old time white Hermitages though. Like the 2020, it displays the more modern approach of both leading players. Good marsanne nuttiness and glycerol. Less weighty but more revealing than the 2020. Seems like everything is in place for a positive evolution. 92+/100.

Louis Barruol-Kermit Lynch joint project; 80 year old marsanne vineyard near the top of the hillside on limestone; fermented in Burgundy barrels; unfined, unfiltered. Heavy Bottle Award. Taking on a light golden hue. Starting to come out of its shell. These usually shut down for 4-5 years. It speaks of marsanne character and special terroir. Yes, this is a real Hermitage marsanne. The power is positive, adding body. Well balanced. More to come. Most attractive SAP price! 17.5+.le Award. Taking on a light golden hue. Starting to come out of its shell. These usually shut down for 4-5 years. It speaks of marsanne character and special terroir. Yes, this is a real Hermitage marsanne. The power is positive, adding body. Well balanced. More to come. Most attractive price! 94+/100.

Wine Spectator 93: 'Plush and smoky, with smoldering bay leaf and tobacco notes amid steeped plum and blackberry fruit flavors. Black tea and sanguine elements curl through the seductive finish. Best from 2020 through 2027. $29.'

After the Chave Saint Joseph, thicker form of syrah that is Crozes. Abnormally dark, deep, concentrated form of Crozes. 2023 sure looks like a good vintage in these parts. Freshness and fruit clarity that is another Chave asset. Palate presents more ease. No problem. Plenty of material here. 92+/100.

2019: Est. 1962; from relatively young vines; aged 9 months in concrete eggs. Dark red violet. Noble reduction. I love it. Delve deep, and you'll find the essences of northern Rhone syrah, raspberry, white pepper, purple flowers, and pemmican. Even cooler and more floral on the palate. Quite unlike any other Crozes I've tasted, yet indelibly Crozes. Well balanced, with fine tannin adding ageworthiness to the finish. Well liked by the group, which enjoyed a 2012 even more, demonstrating the ageworthiness of this wine. 92+/100.

Wine Spectator 92: 'A generous, alluring red, with red currant and cassis amped up with sweet spices, tarragon and singed cedar. Reveals cured salumi notes that add earthy, animal richness to the dense palate, firmed up by savory acidity and slightly chewy tannins. Offers a spine of iron that reins in the lushness. Drink now through 2030.'

4 generation estate once selling to the cooperative; in the Terrace de Chassis zone; from vines planted in 1996; unwooded. Dark red violet. Fresh, primal, slightly reduced. Bright and intensely fruity,/ Great acid to foil fruit richness. Flavorful. Raspberry, white pepper. Air and age will stand this well to alleviate the reduction. Tannin is not much of an issue. 92+/100. Positive comments like 'Very Crozes. Needs short term aging.'

Wine Spectator 92/100. My notes: 16th century roots; from two plots at the base of the slope, one planted in 1919, the other in 2004; barrel aged a year, 25% new, 20% second year, 55% third year. Heavy duty Cornas take on syrah. Smells stronger than its label statement. The oak is apparent, lifting, complexing. Rich and savory fruit-oak melange. Carries well into the back of the palate and coats the tongue with fine grained tannin. More youthful than the Courbis St. Joe we had awhile back. Promises full complexity with cellaring. 93+/100. Super popular with attendees for both now and later.

Wine Spectator 94: 'This is packed with dark fig and blackberry paste flavors that roll through slowly but steadily, unveiling extra dark olive, sweet bay leaf, singed alder and juniper accents along the way. There's buried minerality that should rise to prominence with cellaring. Best from 2023 through 2035. $45.'

2022: 80% grenache, 20% carignan; by a Chateauneuf estate. Fresh, fragrant, inviting. No syrah, and all the better for that. Good acidity, fruit, balance. 90/100.

Fifth generation; proprietor Bernadette Latour; at Violes; whole bunch fermented by native yeasts; unfined, unfiltered. Grenache strawberry and raspberry aromas. No sense of high alcohol. There as a fair degree of lift as well as grenache sweetness. Yes, the alcohol gives body and glyceroled smoothness without heat. Well crafted, and generous. Nice, warm finish. Winter wine. 16.5. Widely liked by attendees. 'Very Vaucluse, very grenache; as intended; well done.' 'Pure grenache unfettered.'

2021: At Travaillon; 70% grenache, 20% mourvedre, 10% carignan. This is much crisper and cooler than the 2020 tasted a couple weeks back. Goes with the vintage territory. Sweetens up as it airs. Yes, more acid and flow than the 2020. In style, in tune. Not without tannin, but a shorter dose than the 2020. Just shipped, so a little terse. I have confidence. 91+/100. Opened up for the group; became quite popular. 'Interesting and long flavor.' 'Mourvedre plum, black fruit, leather.' Plus 'raspberry, spice, iron-laden spring water.'

2022: At Visan; 60% 'shiraz', 20% each grenache, carignan. The black fruited syrah and carignan speak loudest in an harmonious choir of classic Med France varietals. Just as bright and fresh as the recently tasted 2021 and sweeter fruited still besides. Yes, very black, very fresh, very flavorful. To my tastes, one of the coolest and best in the series. Great finishing acid and texture. 92/100.

Parker 92: 'The 2023 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel reveals aromas of dark berries, flowers, spices and garrigue, followed by a medium? to full-bodied, round and charming palate framed by velvety tannins. It concludes with a long, fruity and gourmand finish. This is a great vintage for Coudoulet—a blend of 30% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache Noir, 30% Syrah and 10% Cinsault. Drink 2025 - 2035.'

2019: At Courthezon; 65% grenache, 15% cinsault, 10% syrah, 10% mourvedre. Light, flattering air of reduction. Cool, collected Berthet style. Good aromatic range across the varietals. Medium bodied as usual. Lovely, elegant flavor. Fine tannin to the degree that it needs a few months for resolution. Well crafted, if not flashy. That's Berthet. 91+/100.

At Camaret sur Aigues on the Plan de Dieu;; 35+ year old vines; 50% grenache, 25% syrah, 20% carignan, 5% cinsault. Inky maroon. Vintage freshness and lift helps to counter the obvious power on the nose. A lot of material here. Yes, powerful as well as surprisingly tannic for the vintage. Material extract too. Chewy finish. Good 2024 acidity. Keeper; rare at this price. 91+/100. Widely enjoyed, though one attendee agreed with me about the notable level of tannin. 'A serious wine, lots of tannin to go with lots of fruit.' 'Great color and body.' 'Fruit driven; healthy fruit, believably old vines.' 'Very nice concentration but in no way overdone. Well integrated; retains a sense of balance.'

2017: Parker 92: 'Boasts vibrant, fresh blueberry and raspberry fruit on th enose, is full-bodied and concentrated on the palate and finishes with some chunky tannins.'

Dark ruby. Love this Cave's range since before I first visited it decades back. They epitomize the blackness of Cairanne's fruit statement. Dry, deep, and well extracted. And way cheaper than most domaines' Cairannes. Oh, yeah, this is a dark fruited classic, alcohol-derived glycerol coating its fine tannins. It may be labeled Cotes du Rhone but, I'm telling you, this spells Cairanne. And a very good deal. 92/100.

All grenache; single vineyard of 45 year old vines. The greater warmth of grenache. Warm strawberry and raspberry compotes. Black pepper versus white. Yes, more richness and savor. Seems to feel more comfortable with its terroir. Balance and length. Moderate heat; an attribute. 92+/100.

2023: All syrah; 45+ year old vines in two parcels bordering Chateauneuf. Strange bottle emblem; seems to combine several area landmarks. Dark red violet syrah color. That has some northern Rhone aspirations. Cool raspberry, white pepper, white flowers. Not as aromatic on the palate. Well balanced with good acidity. No heat. 92+/100. Well liked by attendees. Several comments attested to northern Rhone aspects. 'So Syrah!' 'Syrah for sure.' 'Needs some time to develop fully.'

Deep, dark maroon. Sweetness, force, and elegance combined. Violets overtones I love. / Richness balanced by power, acid, tannin. Needs more bottle age, but shows equilibrium and largesse. 92+/100.

2019: 70% grenache, 30% syrah on marl over limestone; yields of 2 tons per acre; aged in concrete vats save for a small percentage of the syrah which is barrel aged. Pleasant if not forceful or forthcoming at age four. Fits the genre. More flavor than aroma. Grenache strawberry, syrah raspberry. A pleasing and accommodating dinner wine at a good price. 90/100.

2020: At Saint Marcel d'Ardeche, 45 miles northwest of Avignon; 60% grenache, 40% syrah, vines averaging 47 years. Cool Ardeche style. Yes. Spicy, unique. Both rich and elegant. Power is supportive. Deal. 91/100.

Syrah and grenache from a south facing, steep granite hillside vineyard in the Ardeche. So this is northern Rhone adjacent, actually. And it acts like it. Definite regional syrah ID like black raspberry, white pepper, smoked meat. The grenache fattens it up and is sympathetic. Yes, one of the best vintages in the series, both northern syrah and Ardeche grenache expressions in harmony. The alcohol is coated, and cooling as well. 91+/100.

Really quite powerful and concentrated this good vintage. Old vines talk. There's depth of fruit character too. Full power and texture and weight. Tannin to shed still. One of the most age worthy and ambitious in the series. 91+/100.

2022: Grenache, syrah, cinsault, carignan; clay-rich soil at 300 meters near Visan; 30 year old vines. That's a fresh and young one too. Warmer clime and higher alcohol show. Inviting nose. Round and gentle. Wears its spirit well. Good material and dry extract underlying all, and modicum of tannin in back. Has mid term cellar potential. 91/100.

2021: Half each grenache, syrah; from vineyards near the Chateauneuf estate. Oh, that is so bright and uplifting this cool vintage. Spread of red and black fruits that spell the components. Exceptionally well coordinated. Less flavor than aroma because of its coating of tannin. We'll see what aeration will do, but I'm betting the palate calls for a few more months of bottle aging. 91+/100. Aeration had positive effects. The relatively cool 2021 vintage's lack of bombast was appreciated by attendees.

80% grenache, 12% mourvedre, 8% syrah; from vineyards on both banks of the Rhone. Medium dark red violet. The sweet fruit notes of 2023 two years advanced. Definitely sweet on the palate, and that helps to manage the alcohol, which adds body but not heat. Well, there's a little heat at the finish. Consistent with the series. 91+/100. Liked by attendees. 'Lovely grenache fruit nose and palate.' 'Deep red color; grenache fruit nose; red fruit. High acid, tannin, alcohol - OK wine.'

At Sorgues, bordering Chateauneuf du Pape; 80% grenache, 10% syrah, 5% each mourvedre, cinsault. Heavy Bottle Award. Medium dark to dark ruby. Sweet, grenache laden aromas of strawberry and raspberry. More lifted than usual in this cool vintage. Yes, this has an unusual degree of flow to it. No tannin issues. Reasonable degree of flavor intensity. Ready for the table. I'm thinking BBQ ribs. 91/100.

29 acre vineyard just across the Rhone from Chateauneuf du Pape, where Hillaire has acreage also; 60% grenache, 40% syrah. Wow, this is dark, deep, broad powerful. Great sense of old vines concentration here. The syrah content really shows. Rich and savory, large in the mouth. Great flavor scope, texture, weight. Big time, serious, weighty Cotes du Rhone. No particular tannin issues. Just more bottle bouquet to come. 92+/100

Vineyard adjacent to Chateauneuf, near Courthezan. 55% grenache, 25% syrah, 10% carignan, 5% each cinsault, mourvedre. Nose less buoyant, more compact, more forceful. It's all there; a sleeping giant. Black pepper and garrigue notions. Plenty sweet fruit for 2021 to counter the alcohol. This is fairly loaded. No tannin issues, so mealworthy now with hearty fare. More aromatic spread to come. 92+/100. Widely liked by attendees. 'Complex of raspberry, black olive, ripe fruit; smooth, low tannin.' Orders taken.

70% grenache, 30% syrah; 30 year old vines; yields three tons per acre. Suave and easy flowing, exemplary of both Lafond and 2022. Yes, sweetly fruity and inviting. Grenache feel and flavor up front, the darker syrah supplying background. Good juice, ready to enjoy. 91/100. Attendees appreciated its moderate alcohol and sense of balance, being ripe but not overripe or overextracted.

Dark fruited syrah support and framing. Generous. A whopping big mouthful. Loaded with extract. Full feel and flavor. On the rustic side, as usual. Mighty giving for the price. 91/100. Attendees considered this a good value. 'Raspberry syrah base note; ripe, with anise tones.'

2022: 80% grenache, 20% syrah. Orange and Roquemaure area estate vineyards. Grenache sweet, syrah dark. More Gard than Vaucluse in its coolness. Quite powerful but not to its detriment. 2022 ripe and smooth. Needs time for character development. Well positioned. 91+/100. Tasted 5/16/24.

Near Sablet; 75% grenache, 25% syrah. Dark red violet. Exceptionally deep and rich aroma for this cuvee. Good alcohol cool support. Yes, the flavors are equally ample, generous. And the strength and texture fully in balance. Lasting aftertaste. A very special vintage of this. No tannic resistance; go right to the table. 92/100.

50 year old vines in Sorgues bordering the Chateauneuf du Pape AOC; 60% grenache, 25% syrah, 10% mourvedre, 5% cinsault. Another heavy, bar-bell bottle. Much riper, and seemingly more powerful than the 2024 Gigognan, though the labels read same. She DOES go for ripeness. Riper vintage as well. Well, the alcohol is actually cooling on the palate. It happens. No tannin issues, which is unusual with this cuvee. Pretty striking stuff. 91/100.

Mainly grenache and syrah, with some mourvedre and cinsault. Sweet and generous grenache and cinsault lounge upon the dark fruit divan of syrah and mourvedre. This is surprisingly upbeat. This trio of 14%ers is welcome in the depths of winter. Yes, both plump and well framed. Multi flavored too. Well textured, well balanced. Call it a deal. 91/100. Popular with attendees for its price/quality relationship. Comments paralleled mine.

60% grenache, 30% syrah, 10% carignan; our best-selling Rhone Valley wine. Cheap Wine Heavy Bottle Award. We've had the 2022 for the last three years and have watched it grow. Just arrived 2024 is less revealing at younger age upon opening and maybe due to travel weariness. It's sweetening up and becoming more revealing with aeration. 2024 medium bodied. Good acidity. Fine tannin. Balanced; wears alcohol well, Long finish. Shows promise. 90+/100. Attendees found this a bargain. 'Very spot on; easy to enjoy.' 'Grenache shows; just what it should be.'

Vineyards near Avignon; 85% grenache, 10% syrah, 5% mourvedre. Another heavy bottle, especially for the price. A special, embossed bottle too. Medium dark red violet. Power, generosity, and integrity of grenache. Plenty of black fruit input from the others too. Deal material. This has abundant, sweet fruit shielding its power. Wow, what amplitude for the money. Balanced, smooth, flavorful, long. Deal indeed. 91/100. 'Ripe raspberry juice; darker tones underneath. Big, ripe, modern CdR.'

At Saint Gervais, Right Bank; 60% grenache, 30% syrah, 10% cinsault. Dark red violet. Oh, that's just bursting with garrigue, in the Sainte Anne tradition. What a sumptuous and entertaining nose. Flavors confirm. Good acidity plus the early revealing aspects of the vintage. Very spicy finish. Ho, hum, just another fine vintage here. 91+/100. Attendees agreed. 'Very grenache, very Ste. Anne.' 'Pure fruit; well balanced; not overdone.'

2022: Lieu dit at Violes; 80% syrah, 20% cinsault, the latter planted in 1954; unfined, unfiltered. Dark purple cast; the syrah shows. Both and powerful southern Rhone take on syrah. Still, conveying some aromatic notions of northern Rhone syrah, like raspberry and white pepper. Well executed. The alcohol is well managed and supplies body and viscosity. Nice flavor concentration. Certainly a generous mouthful in all respects, bound for winter roasts and stews. 92/100. Widely liked; orders taken. 'Lovely fruit complexity; syrah works here.'

50% grenache, 30% syrah, 10% each cinsault, carignan; 30 year old vines; aged 90% in concrete, 10% in oak. Sweet fruited and come hither, while bearing Right Bank elegance and moderation. Medium bodied, flavorful. Good acid, balance, fine grained tannin. Finishes long and well. 91+/100.

The estate has been in the family for over 500 years; grenache, syrah, mourvedre; 2023 tasted a couple of Weds ago. Dark red violet. Oh, that's deep and purple fruited in this cool vintage, which seems to complement Solitude's styling. Yes, more elegant--more Solitude--than the good 2023. There's some tannin stirred up by recent shipping here. That will settle in soon; this is not an inherently tannic wine or vintage. 91+/100.

In the Roux-Quiot family for 125 years; 20 year old vines; 56% grenache, 22% syrah, 21% mourvedre, 1% cinsault; at Gigondas; vineyard at the foot of the Dentelles. Good vintage of this. Dark, deep, structured, powerful. Complex aroma set too. Gads. This has Villages quality and intensity. Mouthfilling in flavor, body, texture. Again, a complex aromatic set. Large and lasting. Wears its power well. One of the best in the series. Tannins well managed so useful now. 92/100. Attendees enjoyed this. 'Intense, attractive raspberry nose and palate; nicely made.' 'Classic varietal aromatic range.'

Half each grenache, syrah, vines averaging 40 years; not sulfites added. That's a much fresher presentation than the Valreas a couple of weeks back. This is more like the Val des Rois wines of yore. 2021 and northern Vaucluse cool. Yes, cool, flowing, flavorful, balanced. Good acid and length. Very flexible at the table. This restores my faith in the new generation's efforts. 92/100. Commentators marveled at its freshness and forward, generous and appealing set of aromatics.

6 generation estate in the Chaussy family; 70 year old vines on the north border of Chateauneuf; 60% grenache, 20% syrah, 15% mourvedre, 5% carignan; on clay and cobbles; unfiltered. Sweet, powerful, in your face. Strong and loaded with fruit material, unfiltered extract. Yards to go, development wise. With the strength and stamina to support long cellaring. Big time, chewy aftertaste. 92++/100.

50 year old vines at Sorgues; 60% grenache, 20% each syrah, mourvedre. The littlest lady Chateauneuf vigneron makes the biggest wines. Yes, powerful indeed, but that's balanced by good fruit ripeness, sweetness. Positively reeks of garrigue; one of the most explicit I've nosed lately. The depth of the aroma is awesome. Large, strong, sweet, full flavored, full bodied, full textured. Just plain BIG. And that's classic to this cuvee. Tannin to shed, albeit fine grained. 92+/100.

At Saint Gervais in northern Gard; 60% grenache, 30% syrah, 5% each cinsault, mourvedre. Oh so cool a Gard expression in 2021. Cut from the same cloth as the 21 Cotes du Rhone, only here there are two layers of cloth. Fresh, lifted, complicated nose. Full Villages body and texture. And good, full 2021 acidity. Add fine tannin for texture. Does the series proud. 92+/100. 'Love the style; lovely nose and flavor.' 'Black cherry, black olive, lovely aromatics; surprisingly smooth.'

60% grenache, 25% syrah, 15% mourvedre; vine age 40 years minimum. Dark red violet. Old vines' added concentration, blacker composition, and that special touch of class that 2021 delivers. Yes, this just soars, quite like no previous vintage. Plenty of the extra substance of this cuvee. Coolness and lift of the vintage. 93+/100. 'More complex; perfect of type.' 'Old vines intensity; pedigree shows; cellar candidate.'

Jean-Baptiste & Francois; 70% grenache, 30% syrah; 40 year old vines; yields under 3 tons per acre. Lirac cool, cranberry like take. Spot on Right Banker. Rich grenache meets dark and firm syrah. Again, that sense of Gard coolness. Racy acid and flow in cool 2021. Hides its 14% well. No tannin and plenty flavorful so inviting for this fall and winter service. 92/100. Generally well liked: 'Serious; grenache raspberry, syrah foundation; 21 acidity, lack of overripeness.'

2019: 60% grenache, 30% syrah, 10% carignan. Dark ruby. Big, black Cairanne ambassador with the yielding nature of 2019. Yes. Old vines constitution. Cairanne sweetness and power. Grenache amplitude supported by syrah and carignan darkness. CLASSIC Cairanne. Bravo! 93+/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91 - TOP 100 BEST BUYS: 'Black cherry, cranberry skin, violet, white pepper, and thyme come together in a concentrated and expressive nose. The rich, powerful palate offers notes of licorice, balanced by fresh acidity, with minerality and stoniness driving through the midpalate. It finishes on a soft, salty strawberry note. This is an easy choice alongside an earthy, juicy burger—think mushroom or bison.'

2017: 80% grenache, 20% syrah; on limestone soil. Heavy Bottle Award. Good and dark hearted Cairanne bully style. Dense dry extract. Plenty of black pepper Cairanne garrigue. Powerful, dark fruited, tannic, deep seated. Defines Cairanne, now a full fledged single appellation. Long, chewy finish. Good cellar prospects, or serve with hearty fare. 92+/100.

2022: 60% grenache, 30% syrah, 10% mourvedre; vines 37 and 65 years old; pebble covered clay-limestone. Abundant 2022 fruit of all three varietal natures, well knit together. Gentler than normal. Less tannin; more fruit. That's 2022. The alcohol is well contained. Even on a muggy day, this is not hard to swallow. 92/100.

80% grenache (planted 1948), 20% mourvedre; unfined, unfiltered. Dark red black. Powerful, grenache enveloped, mourvedre black cored. Classic PdD, always is. The extras the area's cobblestone soils deliver. Seems a little brother to Chateauneuf. Family resemblance. Cool and clear black fruits. Old vines intensity. Alcohol plays a larger role than in the barbera. Adds both largesse and coolness. One of the best from this AOC. 92+/100. Well respected by attendees. Ripeness and weight noted. Mourvedre reduction and iron tone.

Estate at Gigondas with additional vineyards at Travaillan and Violes on the Plan de Dieu; 60% grenache, 25% carignan, 15% syrah. Ripe and robust. The power is positive, both warming and cooling. The biggest Plan de Dieu I've nosed. Suggests a Vacqueyras iteration. Yes, the fruit is sweet, ripe, and persistent. 2019 forward. No excess power. Long and chewy. Fine tannins. PdD on steroids. 93/100.

2021: Famille Lambert since 1935; Tasted following the 21 Pasquiers Plan de Dieu, same encepagement; hillside vineyards on clay-limestone. I detect the higher elevation here, a slightly cooler aspect. Also the slopes drainage, creating greater concentration. Nice tete a tete. In the same household but hardly twins. Yes, this is cooler, more in keeping with the vintage style. No hot rocks here. Probably the better cellar candidate, though neither is particularly tannic. 91+/100.

Fifth generation estate; 25 year old vines; 80% grenache 20% syrah; native yeasts; syrah aged in seasoned barrels; perennial Wed group favorite but not seen since vintage 2018. Headier still, and warmer, more southern. Really loaded as Sablets go. Grenache power and richness. Grenache smoothness, glycerol. In keeping with a fine series, though getting more expensive by the vintage. Lasting flavor and texture. Yes. 92+/100.

50% grenache, 30% syrah, 10% mourvedre, 10% carignan. That's sweet and large for Sablet and for such a young rouge. This ratchets it up a couple of notches in power and aromatic intensity. Sprawling and superb. Yeah, full bodied and powerful as Sablets go. Yes, lots of red fruit race this vintage. Cranberry, pomegranate. Great acid of course. Fine grained tannins for texture and food. Take it to the table Chewy texture. Lasting flavor. Overachiever. 92/100.

2019: 70% grenache (40-60 year old vines), 25% mourvedre, 5% syrah;. Oh, that's a satisfying noseful of Sablet. Sablet lift, attractive spiciness, cool disposition, and sweet core fruit. Full bodied for Sablet. Good strength too. Long, lasting flavor and texture. We have reliable, lower priced Sablets. This one, however, is worth a premium. The group agreed; a group favorite. 92+/100.

2020: 90% syrah, 10% grenache; aged 15 months half in concrete vats & half in oak demi muids. The oak makes a positive statement in this cuvee; always has. This is one aromatically complex titled Villages. The oak complex spreads across the palate too. Admirable flavor range and depth. Sweetness of ripe fruit. Up with past vintages if a little more backward at this stage. 92+/100. Attendees were impressed by the quality of this syrah and its upbringing. Might even pass for a northern Rhone take.

Est. 1988; 40% each grenache, syrah, 20% mourvedre on cobbles; average vine age: 30 years. With 60% black varietals, it leans toward the dark side of Visan. Seems more evident this vintage than in previous renditions. I like it; it's unique in its genre this year. Sweet fruited. The grenache comes more into play on the palate. Plump for Visan, which helps it to wear its alcohol well. Nice touch of garrigue spiciness too. Always a bargain, and in 2022, an adventure. 92/100.

2020: 60% grenache, 40% syrah; northernmost CDRV. Pretty sweet and husky Valreas, yet there's a certain northern Meridionale coolness to it. Each variety has a song to sing, in harmony. I smell a good value. Even cooler on the palate. Ventilating even. Good acid. No tannin issues. I guess you could call it a 'modern' Valreas. Which is what I expect from Bieler. Good run of vintages here. 91/100.

Deep, dark, and classic Rasteau with a little more freshness and lift this vintage. There's a subtitle name change. Maybe terroir supports that aspect. Wow, Rasteau dense and dark on the palate though. And tannin, especially for the vintage. Forget the earlier hunch. This is a black and blue bruiser after all. 92++/100.

Terraced vineyards on the Dentelles massif; 50% grenache, 40% syrah, 10% mourvedre; unfiltered. Dark red violet. No problem reaching full alcohol potential this cool year. Conceals it well on the nose. Good power and presence on the palate. Good acidity too. 91+/100.

80% grenache, 15% syrah, 5% mourvedre, vines averaging 40 years. The power shows. Burns my eyes a little through the narrow aperture of my Taster glass. I find it positive to the nose. A dense, dark, and thorough Vacqueyras (every one is different). Garrigue notes add complexity to the mass. The alcohol is cooling on the palate. Full body and texture. A 'coming right at ya style of Vacqueyras whose fortes are size, power, and generosity. Not for the faint of heart. 92+/100.

Wow, big spread of fruit sweetness, flowers, peppercorns, garrigue. Exceptional abundant for Montmirail. Very ripe, almost to roti. New winemaker here? 92+/100.

2021: 70% grenache, 30% syrah. Good Vacq weight, range, fruit amplitude midway between the domaine's Plan de Dieu and its Gigondas trio. Spot on. There's some dry tannin gripping the palate too. Good 2021 acid. Saint Damiens call for patience. I like its build, poise, and classicism. And, future. 92+/100.

2022: 72% grenache, 23% syrah, 3% mourvedre, 2% cinsault. Long, real cork. Full ruby color. Gigondas body and concentration. The alcohol spells size without burn. This wine's ample material contains it well, in fact, deserves it. On the palate too, just a pattern for Gigondas. Power, extract,, texture, tannin, length. All magnified and all in harmony. Ranks with the best vintages of this long liked series. Continues to be priced at 2/3 the Gigondas average. 94+/100.

2018: 80% grenache (60+ years), 10% each syrah, mourvedre (30+ years). Drier, closer, more powerful than the 19 Espigouette Vacqueyras. Bigger and more backward. Yeah, a tough guy at this stage. Each is a good example of its vintage's character. I could take the Vacqueyras to the table now. This one goes directly to the cellar. 93++/100.

Parker 92: 'The Guigal family crafted an elegant, attractive 2021 Gigondas that offers aromas of lilac, flowers, mulberries and dark berries. Medium? to full-bodied, sappy and suave, it's enrobing, with a juicy core of fruit, sweet tannins and good depth at the core, concluding with a long, perfumed finish. Drink 2025 - 2036.'

Est. 1960; grenache, syrah, mourvedre; aged 16 months in seasoned cooperage; Uof M prof turned wine importer J. C. Mathes' original assemblage location. The high alcohol is cooling rather than hot. Elegant approach of the cool 2021 vintage. Very desirable. Body and sweetness contain the power. It's a full blooded Gigondas. No current drinking issues. 92/100.

2021: Grenache, mourvedre. Gigondas and old vines powerful and concentrated even in a cool vintage. Advantageous, actually, as it's relieved of some of its usual high alcohol and tannin. Impressively flavorful, rangy, full bodied, lengthy. Nothing missing here other than the obligation of long cellaring. Good for hearty winter fare now. Bravo. 93+/100.

2019: 70-90 year old vines; 70% grenache, 25% syrah, 5% mourvedre; aged 2 years in foudres. Full red violet color. I like the silkiness of Stehelin's Gigondas. Not a description usually applied to a wine of this AOC. Cool, dark, deep, noble demeanor. Moderate alcohol for the zone fits the pattern. Very confident poise, silky on the palate too. The finest of tannins here too. 93+/100.

Est. 1978; 65% grenache, 20% mourvedre, 10% cinsault, 5% syrah; in the northern CdP Chapouin, Coudoulet, and La Gardiole quartiers; aged a year in vats. Grenache to the fore, its sweetness diminished in this cool vintage. Well poised. Grenache strawberry and raspberry in the lead. Undercurrents of darker natures of mourvedre and syrah. Wears its alcohol well. Lack of bombast as usual. Now and/or later. 93+/100. Became more complex, showing notes of spices, orange peel, iron, and florals. Appreciated as forward and not overdone.

2020: Wine Spectator 92: 'Gutsy and forward, with a cascade of mulled dark plum and black cherry. Shows grippy tannins and cast iron minerality that power through the formidable finish, which is marked by licorice root and dried herbs. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2024 through 2032. $55.'

2020: Wine Spectator 93: 'Marries generous cherry, damson plum and cassis with warm earth, savory smoke and sweet baking spices. Friendly and open on the palate at first, with fine-grained tannins and cast iron minerality holding everything in check. Reveals a fine dusting of pepper and leather on the long finish. Best from 2024 through 2038.'

On the north side of the La Crau plateau; sandy soil yields elegant wines; a young-vines cuvee; 80% grenache, 20% syrah. Oh, smell the power, and the concentration to match. Very large for a so called 'elegant' young vines cuvee. I guess that's just Chateauneuf. There is charm too though, and it builds with aeration. Sweet fruit tempers its power; no heat at all on the palate. A substantial representative of a series I love. Love the price too. 93+/100.

2019: I love this Chateauneuf vintage. The fruit is heart on sleeve and abundant. There's lift triumphing over power. / Yes, elegant fruit to the fore. Logical successor to the 2019 Demoiselles cuvee. This can be taken to the table now. 95/100.

2018: Wine Enthusiast 94: 'This perfumed, blossomy expression of varietal Grenache is plump with flavors of strawberry leather and raspberry compote. The fresh-fruited, piquant sip has a delicately creamy mouthfeel. Fine-grained, persistent tannins and a hint of fresh herb linger on the finish. At peak now through 2028, the wine will likely hold further. $80.'

2016: Wine Enthusiast 95; Wine Spectator 94: 'Densely fruited, with layers of red currant, raspberry and plum fruit paste flavors that stretch out slowly, unveiling notes of cedar, garrigue, brick dust and incense. A warm stone detail drives the finish, accented by well-buried acidity that keeps all the elements fresh and defined within the old-school rubric. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Best from 2021 through 2036.'

Parker 92: 'Fragrant and inviting, Olivier Hillaire's 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts enticing, Grenache-laden notes of strawberries, roses and black tea. In the mouth, the wine is medium to full-bodied, nicely silky and balanced—not overdone, not underdone—just charming and easy to drink. Drink 2022 - 2030.'

2018: Wine Enthusiast 91: 'Ripe, velvety swathes of blackberry and black-plum preserves abound in this full-bodied, softly tannic red. A blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (40%) and Mourvedre (10%) matured partially in oak, it is ripe in fruit but elegantly subdued by tones of freshly tilled earth, charred clove and graphite. Ready to drink now, it should hold well through 2028.'

2019: Wine Spectator 93: 'A massive, brooding red, this shows the burly side of Chateauneuf, with grippy tannins surrounding a well of black fruit and licorice flavors. Packs a pleasing kick of menthol and wet stone accents, which bring freshness through the long, nicely chewy finish. Delivers good energy and focus, with hints of bitter cherry. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarese and Cinsault. Drink now through 2035.'

2022: Famille Quiot, winegrowers since 1748; all 13 AOC permitted grape varieties planted here, vines averaging 40 years; aged 18 months, 15% in foudres. Heavy Bottle Award. VERY large, and VERY intricate. Haunting depths. I'll bet the entire range of CdP permitted grape varieties are in this cuvee this vintage. Complex, rangy, well coordinated. Coming along nicely now. Wow. Power coated by fruit richness. Loaded with extract, full flavor range. The grandeur that is CdP, champion of Med France. A little tannin, great potential. 94+100. Sure impressed the attendee who took the bottle home. 'At 24 hours it still seemed like a trip down memory lane. There's power but it's not based on extraction or pure mass. The spice box is here, with raspberry and a hint of smoke. There's a spicy, fruit driven finish. It handles 15% with ease. Complexity beats concentration. Fresh fruit acidity.'

25 year old vines; 80% grenache, 20% syrah; aged 10 months in foudres. Well, this delivers. The most powerful, pungent, and complex Ventoux I've nosed. Bravo, Bruniers!/ Rich and expansive on the palate too. With age potential even. Ventoux on steroids, and a price to match. This really speaks for Brunier excellence at all the family's endeavors. 92+/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91/100. My notes: Grenache, syrah. 20-50 year old vines. Full red violet color. Sweet and full, and quite powerful. In form for this cuvee. Very flavorful. Full of black fruits. Good acidity. One of the better vintages of this. Light tannin does not interfere with current usefulness. 92/100.

In your face southern syrah forcefulness. Black and frank. And good. There are hints of the classic syrah profile that marks those of the northern Rhone. Both sweet and black to the core. Well balanced. The tannins are at the right level to render them a plus. A very successful Med syrah. 91/100.

Sauvignon blanc and viognier. Who would have thought of this but Rhone innovator Louis Barruol? And it works! Sauvignon citrus meets viognier honeysuckle, and they cooperate to the fullest. Flavors are just as dazzling, intense, and harmonious as the aromas. Remarkable for quality, compatibility, and uniqueness. 92/100.

2021: Grenache blanc, clairette, bourboulenc, viognier; granite soils of the Right Bank; no malo. That's a helluva long, seeming genuine cork for a modest CdR blanc. Body and presence if understated aromatic properties. That's expected with this varietal set, when viognier is least important. Well, some viognier peach and honeysuckle sneaks in on the palate. Pretty full bodied. Balanced; sits right. Good turkey wine. 91/100. Perennial group favorite in its category; no exception this evening.

Grenache blanc, clairette, roussanne, bourboulenc; 40 year old vines. Good body of the first three and race of the last. Fills the nostrils with presence, if not strong aromatics. These are not pungent varieties. A well balanced amalgam, the subtle varietal characters in harmony with one another. Has the fullness and low key aromatic presence to go a long way at the dinner table. 91+/100. Comments paralleled mine; the wine was well received. Some noted an anise tone.

Largest white-wine producer in the Rhone Valley; 60% viognier, 15% roussanne, 10% marsanne, 8% clairette, 5% bourboulenc, 2% grenache blanc. 85% of the makeup is of varieties classic to the northern Rhone. Origin of the grapes here is unknown. It's never very viognier perfumey though. Rich, classy, harmonious, and unique in its genre. One of the best, most forthcoming vintages. Full in the mouth. Again, not perfumey. The alcohol is positive, giving body and presence. Whole greater than sum of parts. Great craftsmanship and table versatility. 92/100.

2021: Est. 1923; grenache blanc, clairette, bourboulenc, roussanne, picpoul; vineyard at Roquemaure on the Right Bank. That's got body and presence and quite a lot of perfume for this varietal set. Roussanne to the fore, aromatically. Yes, and quite the fruity flavor too. Plus good 21 acid. Very versatile at the table. 91/100. The panel was in general agreement with my assessment.

Estate grown, 50 year old vines; 40% clairette, 30% bourboulenc, 20% grenache blanc, 10% ugni blanc. Wine Spectator 91: 'A creamy gush of peach and melon flavors show real concentration and oomph on the palate of this distinctive white, set against bitter chalky mineral notes, plus green herbs and smoke, with a beam of bitter lemon peel and steely acidity. This has a lot of life and tension, in addition to the opulent core.'

50% clairette and 50% bourboulenc from a vineyard (35 yo vines) purchased in 2022 in Buisson; half aged in barrels; unfiltered. Clear Med body and power showing here. Aromatically low key varieties, as sees fit in these parts. Oh, this leads with weight and fullness. It's spot on, and made for a special sort of cuisine. No aromatic viognier meddling. All just as intending. Fine craftsmanship and delivery. 92/100.

2021: Roussanne, marsanne, viognier. Real cork. Northern Rhone components in a northern Gard setting. This is pretty fantastic for the price. More aromatic push than the usual southern Rhone blanc pantheon, and more body. Wow. Palate lives up to the nose fully. Flavorful, full bodied, well textured. Well balanced; harmonious varietal trio. Incredibly versatile at the table. 92/100.

50% roussanne, 20% grenache blanc, 20% viognier, 10% bourboulenc, vines averaging 55 years. Well conceived encepagement. Roussanne in the lead, peachy and padded. Grenache blanc adding to the bulk, viognier to the perfume. Tempered by bourboulenc green fruit. Works!/ Totally harmonious cuvee, the bourboulenc even a stronger player on the palate. And the alcohol is modest by appellation standards, which makes it more flexible at the table. Choose either finny or feathered friends. 91/100.

2020: Famille Quiot; all roussanne; vineyard at the foot of the Dentelles. Varietal white peach and honey. Floral overtones Dash of refreshing bitterness on the finish. This became increasingly aromatic as it aired. 91+/100.

2019: Famille Quiot; all viognier; vineyard at the foot of the Dentelles. Bursts with viognier peach and honeysuckle from the get go. The most of any young vintage of this I've nosed. Well textured too. Palate closer to the vest yet very pure. The innate bitterness of viognier plays more prominently this vintage than others. Good for food. Still a dash of banana fermentation flavor to resolve. Entertaining stuff. Robert Mayberry liked this Chateau's wines. 91+/100.

Jean-Baptiste & Francois; 50% grenache blanc, 30% roussanne, 20% viognier; vines 40 years old; yields under 3 tons per acre. A high percentage of varieties more common to northern than southern Rhone, and they rightly sport their stone fruit and flower aromatics. Regardless, this has solid grenache blanc bulk and basis. Well conceived, well executed. Yes, both full and flavorful, with Gard coolness justifying roussanne and viognier plantings here. Well balanced and not pushy, so very versatile at the table, be it fish or fowl. 92/100. WOTN votes. 'Really nice nose emerges; huge flavor complex.' 'Pear, red fruit, fruit cocktail; viognier speaks, with its nice bitter edge on the finish; nice acidity.' 'Super Rhone white!!!' Orders taken.

2022: 40% roussanne, 25% grenache blanc, 25% rolle (vermentino), 8% marsanne, 2% viognier; grown on rounded white stones in north-facing vineyards. A nicely assembled cuvee sporting an orchard fruit aromatic profile led by roussanne, rolle, and viognier. And a solid and rich underlayment supplied by grenache blanc and marsanne. Bravo!/ Yes, variegated, tasty, rangy in both flavor and texture, rich and full bodied. Both acid and alcohol really fill this out in the mouth. 91/100. Liked by attendees as 'fresh, clean, atrractive, aromatic, complex, and food worthy.'

2019: Est. 1972; 72% mourvedre, 20% grenache, 6% cinsault, 1% each syrah, carignan; aged 18 months in cooperage; unfiltered. Well, we're sure book-ending that poor Monte. Another big boy here, showing all its power, concentration, and high mourvedre black fruit essence. Still youthful at age five, but not obstinate. This has growing softness and bouquet revelation on the palate. Another outstanding vintage of a proud series. Great introduction to Bandol. 94+/100. Impressed with 'complexity, class, savor, latency'.

2019: 20% barrel aged. That's clear and cool PSL high altitude elegance. Charming and exemplary. Lots of fruit flavor and texture intensity. The great precision the nose implied. Full, fine tannin. Defines the genre. Got to have some. 92+/100.

60% carignan, 40% grenache. Carignan black fruit and peppercorn in the lead. Plenty of grenache substance and power to back it up. Full, flavorful, well textured. The image of Fitou; textbook. Lasting aftertaste. 92+/100.

40% each carignan, grenache, 20% syrah; aged 9 months in barrels. Dark red violet as well. A little shy in aromatic development. Clearly old vines concentrated though. Fruit sweetness and display come on with aeration. Fairly loaded. Rich, full, well textured. Balance of sweetness, dry extract, and fine tannin. Yes, compact and old vines loaded. Always is. Great ager. Epitome of Fitou. 92+/100.

Really has quite a bit of personality for this non aromatic variety. And good 2021 briskness too. Yes, indeed, lemony things and bright acidity. Flavorful and balanced. Got to have this one. 91/100.

All carignan; 40-60 year old vines. Dark red violet. That's old vines dense and rugged carignan. Again, variety and terroir laid out plain to see..and smell. Very fresh and cool. Belies its alcohol content, which supplies body, balance, and background but no heat. Long, spicy carignan aftertaste. 92/100. Many favorable comments. 'One of the best Languedocs I've had on a while; nice earthiness.' 'Lots of chocolate and caramel on the nose; thick, rich, chewy palate.' 'Lots of flavor, lots of tannin.'

Carignan, picpoul noir, riveyrenc noir; vines 70 to 100 years old. As intended, this is indeed a 'claret' (clairet) by its light red appearance. Carignan gives bulk, the others lift and freshness. Carignan dark cherry in the lead. Great freshness, forward fruit, acidity, balance, flavor breadth and depth, textural spiel. Perfectly conceived and rendered by a crack Minervois La Liviniere team. Can serve cool. Both substance and drinkability. 92/100. Widely enjoyed for its levity, accessibility, and lack of tannin.

Dark red violet. Dark and deep and rich in material bulk for a cool year. Lightens up some on the palate, but remains pretty forceful. Tannin to shed. Fruit blackness in tune with the series. Will improve. 91+/100.

Parker 91: 'The 2019 Cotes du Roussillon Bastide Miraflors is a blend of 70% Syrah (vinified as whole bunches and aged in 20% new demi-muids) and 30% Grenache (destemmed and aged in concrete). Hints of peppery spice, vanilla and woodsmoke accent the blueberry-scented nose, while the full-bodied palate is ripe, supple and concentrated, adding hints of black cherries, chocolate and licorice on the long finish. It's hard to top this sort of quality at the suggested retail of $19.'

60% grenache gris, 40% roussanne, the latter aged 5 months in barrels. Following a Chablis, a different region and varietal set heard from. More robust, peachy, grainy. The varieties are giving their all in this setting. And the coolness of 2021 keeps them from becoming too cumbersome. Wow, round and rich and flavorful. But not fruity-floral. Old vines intense. Very versatile at the table. Ample enough to take on ratatouille. Shipped in error; I ordered the red. My gain. 92/100. This surprised attendees, generating a lot of enthusiasm.

Properly dark color. Condensed, sweet, black fruit core reluctant to give up much aroma. Will likely benefit from additional aeration, though it was opened yesterday. This has real Med syrah makings. It's not the green-stemmed clone. It's fully rich and ripe. It's surprisingly well composed and well endowed for the price. I could see cellaring some of this, which I don't say about many $15 wines. 90+/100.

1/3 each. Medium bodied. A nice GSM marriage. Nothing sticks out. Plenty of nasal presence. Smooth palate suggests a degree of glycerol. Flavorful. Well crafted. Well balanced. Versatile at the table. The proper degree of alcohol to add body without heat. Always a good value. 91/100. Attendees too considered it a good value.

Yves Falmet, vigneron; at Creissan; unfiltered; 50+ year old vines on hillsides of Saint Chinian. Senses of power, old vines depth and concentration. Very 'meaty' nose, especially for cinsault. There's more cinsault flow to the palate. Still, dry extract grip. One of the most intense in the series. However, not at all an elegant wine. Demands food. 91+/100.

2022: Limestone and sand soils. Surprisingly full color. And full personality. No shy picpoul, this one. Very bright acidity for the vintage (but not for picpoul!). Along with the flavor intensity. This really shines! Got to have it. 92/100.

2021: Clay-limestone soils. Upon opening, that understated picpoul green fruit aroma. Like past vintages, this is rather richer and rounder than its peers. Yet 2021 crispness gives it an incisive edge that kinda completes the picture of Font Mars picpoul. Ultimately juicy and begging for food. Best vintage yet here. 91/100. Aeration maxed out this variety's subtly aromatic nose. Ripe nature confirmed by attendees.

2021: 3 generation domaine in the heart of the Massif de Castelnaux. Closed up at first. Can't get the heart of what is, aromatically, a fairly subtle variety. A nice and gentle acidity. I will need more input from the tasting panel following aeration. Well, got it: 'Lots of aroma and flavor', 'Long and balanced', and 'Really nice'. Very popular with the group. 91+/100.

On chalky clay embedded with fossilized oysters, quartz, and gravel; picpoul has been grown on the plateau above the Thau lagoon since Roman times; 'picpoul' = 'lipstinger'. This is right. Lively, zingy, cutting edge. Penetrating, brisk This has max personality for this often prosaic, understated grape variety. Pushes out those green apple and legume things that brings to mind a gruner veltliner. Flavor intensity confirms. Blind, I'd say I was drinking gruve. Except the acidity is higher and gives it a lot of textural play. Earns its name. Long, expressive finish. 91/100.

2021: 15-20 year old vines; no malo. Pretty nostril filling for a picpoul. I'm both impressed and sensually pleased. And the flavor intensity is equally awesome. And the flavors are nuanced. Good value for sure. 91/100. Attendees enjoyed this. Orders taken.

65% grenache, 20% carignan, 10% mourvedre, 5% syrah. Dark red violet. Exceptionally cool, black fruited, and spicy in 2024. Spicy indeed. Vigorous acidity wants food. A unique vintage of Penya rouge. 91/100.

2021: Grenache blanc, chasan, sauvignon blanc, vermentino, chenin blanc, mauzac. From the Aude. Good and harmonious cuvee. Has body and presence. Range of citrus and multiple other scents. 2021 acidity is welcome. Well balanced all the way. 91/100.

The domaine sits on an old salt water lagoon between Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees foothills. Sauvignon pungent. With the proper richness of a sauvignon from the south. More-ish on the palate. Great flavor, texture, balance. Shows the way for Oc sauvignon. 91/100. Attendee comments were all favorable.

The domaine sits on an old salt water lagoon between Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees foothills that allows the vines to be grown on their own rootstock. Burgeoning honeysuckle varietal character. Cool, clear, and racy 2024 style. Large and flavorful in the mouth. Consistent with the series and continues good pricing. 91+/100. Attendees enjoyed the viognier notes of peach, peach tea. Bitter trace noted on finish; a viognier trait.

Est. 1930; all viognier; 15 year old vines on limestone, clay, and gravel, yielding 2 tons per acre; aged on lees 6 months. Subtle varietal ID in cool 2024. Aromas build as it warms and aerates. Ease and flow of 2024. Flavors build as it warms in the mouth. Represents a winning series well, with its own vintage ID. No wonder a regular customer buys 4 cases every 6 weeks. 91+/100. WOTN for at least one attendee. 'Mild apricot tones. Dry, mineral driven palate with appropriate bitter finish.'

Est. 2005 on the Tyrrhenian seacoast of eastern Corsica, the cooler side of the island; vines averaging 25 years; yields three tons per acre. Medium to medium dark carmine. Warm and savory. Laced with jam, tar, and minerals. Unique. Medium body of 2024. Building flavor intensity as it warms. Again, 'savor' is the watch word. More bottle age and time after shipping will enhances is attributes. 91+/100. This Corse pair 'invoked a lot of discussion and general praise'. 'Spicy/fruity.' 'Flavorful in a delicate style.' 'Nice wine!'

Only native varieties at this estate; small percentage of rare minustellu in the cuvee. Deeper, darker, more purple. Grape or vintage difference? This has more richness and ripeness and depth. Another intriguing set of aromas here from another native grape. Good fun. Yes, warmer vintage talks. A lot of fruit savor, extract, mouthfeel. I'm getting more for less. Maybe the former will rally with air and age. For now, my service order is justified. Full finish. 92+/100.

At Aglione in eastern Corsica; 40% niellucciu, 30% sciaccarellu, 15% each grenache, merlot; clay soil; night harvested. My goodness, that smells strong for only 12%, and the aromas come right out at ya. I'm glad the native varieties are the most pungent. Large, rich, and flavorful, with good, racy 2021 acidity and plenty of dry extract for texture. The tannins are ripe enough to invite current use, especially with food. 91/100. Generally well liked; orders taken. 'Deep, fruit driven nose.' 'Nice balance between fruit amplitude and acidity.'

At Aghione, central Corsica; half each vermentino, chardonnay. Stone fruit and flowers vermentino aromas lead the way. Appley chardonnay underlayment. Good cuvee. Yes, the perfumes of the former are in the lead on the palate too. Not to underestimate the role chardonnay plays in supplying a degree of heft. Long, clinging, flavorful aftertaste. Fine craftsmanship here. 91/100. Very popular with attendees (including White of the Night) for aromatics, depth, balance, and price.

American importer's brand made by Dopff & Irion at Riquewihr. Light red. Lithe, sweet cherry nose, something like a Mason Dot. Fresh and crisp and appealing. Yes, admirably racy. Flavorful. Bright acids. Well balanced. Could be served at cellar temperature. Unlike a pinot from anywhere else. Wide meal time apps. 91/100.

Est. 1795. 30% Sylvaner, 30% Pinot Blanc, 20% Riesling, 10% Muscat, 5% Pinot Gris, 5% Gewurztraminer. Vines 25 to 45 years old. Lovely light gold. This is filling out, rounding out, taking on a wider spectrum of varietal aromas. Nice to see. The non aromatic grapes' basis remains. More peeks at the rest now. Coming along nicely. 91+/100.

Est. Late 1800s at Katzenthal; 50% riesling, 20% muscat, 20% pinot blanc, 5% each pinot gris, sylvaner; vines planted between 1976 and 2010. Riesling stands out as the aromatic leader and muscat not far behind. Unusual in gentils (aka edelzwicker) to note the absence of stage hog gewurztraminer. Neatly fashioned. Whole greater than the sum of the parts. Just a classic Alsace assemblage like you'll find nowhere else. The flavor set, the textural format, they all spell Alsace. And FOOD. 92/100. WOTN for at least one attendee. 'Super fine nose; wonderful wine; long finish; very popular.' 'Wow, this is no simple quaffer. Muscat seems dominant on the nose, with the appropriate bitterness on the finish. Riesling and the crew show more on the palate. Palate coating with real weight. Ready for rich fare.'

2019: Est. 1835; at Ribeauville. Good, cool, low key, and accurate Alsace sylvaner; age helps. The relatively mild acidity of the variety. Good strength, vigor, youthful bent. Boy, would this be rangy at the table. 90/100.

2021: Est. 1580; at Eguisheim; 70% auxerrois, 30% pinot blanc; vines 10-25 years old; aged on lees. No SUS, but nose somewhat enclosed by the hermetic closure. What comes across is varietally accurate, sporting that lusher character of auxerrois versus pinot blanc. Even in cool 2021, auxerrois supplies an ingratiating roundness midway between pinots blanc and gris. Texture wise, this is spot on. Air and age for more aromatic spread. 91+/100.

American importer's brand made by Dopff & Irion at Riquewihr. One of the most expressive in the series. Pungent green fruits and penetrating nostril tingle. Mellower on the palate. Despite the cool vintage, the varietal is inherently mild in acidity. Lasting feels and flavors though. Yes, 2024 satisfies. 91/100.

Average vine age 50 years; in loess over gravel. No surprise the nose is mainly vinous. These are not aromatic varieties. Auxerrois adds richness. The acidity is not unexpectedly modest, even in a cool vintage. These are not tart varoieties, and old vines add a glycerol sheen. Will improve with aeration and aging 92+.100. One of the most appreciated whites. 'A pretty stand up version. Improved with air and served well with dinner. Needed breathing.'

2019: Est. 1580; at Eguisheim. A fresh vintage and style. Subtle apple and hazelnut varietal aromas. Plump, friendly, and forward 2019 with light nut and paraffin gris notes. Surprisingly soft and waxy. Very flavorful. Apple and pie crust. I think there's some RS instead of glycerol. Coated acid. Will gather more aromatic and textural interest with a few months' aging. 91+/100.

Winery at Riquewihr. A degree of varietal waxiness though not a strong degree in a cool vintage. Authentic. Again, it's racy for pinot gris rather than thick. Aren't many thick ones around any longer, at least not at an affordable price. A proper, adequate example for versatile table service. 91/100. Put on more weight and aromatics following aeration. Attendees found it pleasing. 'White pear, nuts, toasted fruit cake.' 'Good body and structure, nice acidity.' 'Good acid and varietal character. Nicely made.'

At Marlenheim, west of Strasbourg. PG paraffin up front; that's a good sign. Underlying nuttiness. Promising nose; some vintages are meeker. Yes, apple, nut, wax PG flavors. Dry too. And the acid is up to the call. This fills the varietal bill and is the best vintage of the series I've tasted. 91/100. Widely liked by attendees, even a WOTN contender. 'Very Alsace, with nice fruit.' 'Smells like pinot gris!' 'White fruit and wax, with some baking spice too.' 'Smooth varietal palate with enough acid to keep it fresh.'

2021: Pleasing riesling apple and citrus aromas. 21 crispness. Yes, dry and racy. Riesling and vintage crisp ID. Flavorful and bracing. Yes. Rangy table applications. 91/100.

Real Grand Cru power, depth, range, complexity. At a good price. Light terpenes, plenty of terroir, lots of Grand Cru extract. Shows the way. 93+/100.

Est. 1795; dry; vines 25-45 years old. Full dry nose. Cold temperature service limits its varietal aromatics upon opening. Though dry, there's a certain 2023 softness to it. Flavors, like aromas, yet to develop. 91+/100. Seems to have improved throughout the evening. Early tasters agreed with my assessment. Later tasters commented 'Great riesling nose' and 'Lovely, fresh nose with floral hints, distinctly peach flavor, and tonic finish.' Never underestimate aeration.

2018: Wine & Spirits 93: 'Based in Eguisheim, Christian Beyer blends this wine from estate-grown grapes as well as purchased fruit. This was a panel favorite, and though it didn't stand out to this critic, the panelists' enthusiasm was pretty convincing, especially when they started bringing up foods to match its sweet dark-toned plum and muscat-spice flavors. One panelist compared it to blueberry honey and suggested a pairing with roast salmon. Another took its dark fruit toward gamey venison sausage or duck prosciutto,.speck,.jamon Iberico. So, I went back to it the next day and the wine had entered another dimension, the tannins acting like crushed stone, tightening around the sweet fruit, keeping it refreshing and crunchy as its volume continued to expand.'

2020: Nice and dry gewurz aroma of rose, lychee, and ginger. Ginger nip, in fact. Off dry, with gewurz astringency countering the RS. Flavorful and accurate rendering. 91/100.

Brisk, tonic gewurz nose. Bay, laurel, thyme. Gewurz glycerol with a bitter foil in conclusion. Moderate or coated acidity at this stage. Still, there's lots to get excited about in this. 91+/100.

Est. 1680; from mostly flat vineyards spanning 50 miles south-north from Thann to Kintzheim; average vine age: 30 years; 16 g/l RS. Rose and ginger aromas. Spot on. Sweetness as stated and low or coated acid. Gewurz bitter finale gives relief. Good. 91/100. An attendee noted: 'Lots of gewurz tones here: lychee, rose, key lime pie.'