Mainly Grenache and Syrah aged in concrete and stainless steel, this has a medium-high intensity that is fresh with lovely stony mineral, blackberry, black currant, and plum aromas and flavours. It is medium-full bodied on the crunchy palate with very good fruit concentration supported by juicy acids. Nicely balanced throughout with smoky mineral and dark berry notes more prominent on the mid-palate. It has ripe tannins while the appealing finish is long and smooth. Tasted Sept/2019.

Chapoutier is basically a never-miss. Medium bodied, not as effusively ripe as some in the region, but true to its origins. This is a Grenache-Syrah blend, which implies that Grenache is the dominant grape. Perhaps it is but Syrah seems to steal the flavour limelight, with notes of black olives, pepper and meaty enhancing the blackberry fruit. I'd recommend a multiple bottle purchase, but I am sure it has long sold out at Vintages. No doubt the '18 will be along later in the year, so pick it up. Tasted May 2020.

Decent wine for the price, ticks all the boxes