88/100 Wine Enthusiast
"Luscious blueberry and blackberry notes are a touch preserved in this unctuous, full-bodied blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre. Whiffs of eucalyptus and garrigue along with a fresh acidic backbone lend balance to the midpalate. Ready to drink now, the wine should hold through 2023. Anna Lee C. Iijima"

94/100 Wine Enthusiast

"Matured two years in oak foudres, this full-bodied blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah balances piercing black cherry and cassis flavors against a firm structure of fine, penetrating tannins and bright acidity. Richly concentrated yet pristine in fruit, it finishes on a sultry, smoky streak of crushed stone and charred anise. Approachable in youth but likely to improve through 2030 and hold longer still. Anna Lee C. Iijima"

The Chave family has been tending vines on the world famous hill of Hermitage for half a millennia. The estate was handed down to Gérard Chave in 1970, who quickly established a reputation for producing incredible wines. His son, Jean Louis, a graduate from the University of California Davis, is the most recent generation to manage the estate. Jean-Louis Chave Selections is the wineries line of négociant wines. The grapes are sourced from select growers located in the Rhône. The "Mon Coeur" Côtes-du-Rhône is made from a blend of grapes harvested from plots in Vinsobres, Visan, Buisson, and Estargues. It represents an affordable entry-point into of the France's finest producers.

Xavier Gerard is one of the young stars of the Northern Rhone. His father left him some prime land in the regions of Cote Rotie (including a tiny parcel in La Landonne), Condrieu and Saint Joseph. Although he is not certified, he practises organically in all his vineyards, and all of his wines are unfined and unfiltered. This is a blend of 96% Syrah and 4% Viognier, which makes its presence known with a touch of stone fruit among the ripe forest berries. Good concentration and smooth tannins, yet with high acidity that all lead to a long finish.

This twisted bottle is unique to Brotte's Pere Anselme line, and this version, the reserve, is new to our market. A classic blend of Grenache and Syrah from low-yield vineyards. Dried cherries and prune plums, pipe tobacco and baking spices, raisins, balsamic, salted licorice and leather aromas lead to a smooth palate. Similar cherry and spice, leather, tobacco and coffee flavours appear in the mouth. It's got classic styling and is perfect for braised meat, stews, succulent bean casseroles, ratatouille

A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, this wine was matured in traditional concrete vats for eight months. Expect a fruit-forward glassful of black cherries and mulberries and pour alongside chicken thighs with mushrooms and bacon.

Established as a fully functioning monastery as early as 1199, Prieuré de Montézargues spans 84 acres sheltered from the Mistral winds by the Montagne Noire mountain range. The original stone monastery buildings blend seamlessly into the landscape, forming a unique micro-terroir that imparts a distinct personality to the Montézargues estate vineyards. This appealing rosé boasts a brilliant pink color and a rich nose with red berry tones like strawberry and gooseberry. On the palate, it is fresh with persistent citrus notes, a well-rounded body, and a long, structured finish.

Lirac Charles I, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, is sourced from both the estate's vineyards and selected terroirs. It has a bright ruby color and a lively aromatic profile with notes of raspberries, currants, black cherries, licorice, and spices. On the palate, it is fruity and full-bodied, with firm yet well-integrated tannins and a long, mineral-infused finish. This wine pairs well with game birds or grilled red meat and, while ready to drink now, it can evolve beautifully with a few years of cellaring.

Saint Joseph in the Northern Rhone is only authorized for 100% Syrah. Black pepper, warm spice, black cherry, and iron minerality, it would be best to put this away and let the tannins settle down, or open for several hours before serving to open. Classic Rhone Valley Syrah.

From the tiny appellation of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 13 grapes are allowed in the blend, yet with grenache, syrah and mourvedre dominant. The Domaine de Cristia is a typical blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre with a brooding, intense deep colour. The bouquet is an elegant mix of black currant, blackberries, violets, deli meats and hints of leather and pepper. The palate is well balanced with fine-grained tannins and a long, powerful finish. This wine will cellar well for the next 10-15 years.