Nestled in the heart of Southern Rhone, the Versino Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015 is a true connoisseur's delight. Produced by the Versino family who have carved out a name for themselves in the realms of fine wine production since 1995, this exquisite wine boasts quintessential Rhone characteristics, marked by its rich and deeply concentrated flavour. Expertly crafted from 80% Grenache and rounded off with Syrah and Mourvèdre, it showcases a perfect synergy of opulence and elegance.

The Versino Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015 stands out among its peers for its generous bouquet of ripe, red fruits perfectly harmonised with hints of exotic spices, dark chocolate and smoky undertones. Aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, it achieves an exceptional depth of flavour and complexity. Its velvety texture is complemented with a firm tannin structure that further seals its impeccable balance. Breathe in its intoxicating aroma and savour the captivating journey of each sip; the Versino Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015 beckons true indulgence.

Verzier Chante Perdrix Connivence 2016 is a quintessential expression of the Northern Rhône, manifesting richness and elegance. Made by maverick vigneron, David Verzier, this Syrah shines with a deep ruby colour, and an exquisite nose redolent of native garrigue, blackcurrant, and black olive tapenade. Crafted from manually-harvested grapes, it's fermented in concrete tanks before twelve months of maturation in old, large format oak barrels. This gentle handling preserves the purity of fruit.

Situated on the steep, ancient terraces of Verliers, Verzier's 5 hectare parcel comprises vineyard land of diverse mineral-rich schist and granite soils. The vintage 2016 stands out for its superb humidity and mild temperatures, culminating in a wine distinctive for its balance and length. Verzier Chante Perdrix Connivence 2016 suits pairing with robust, hearty dishes like braised short ribs or roasted lamb. Experience the sophisticated tastes and intricacies of this exceptionally well crafted, limited production gem from Northern Rhône.

Wine Advocate (95)

Between 1978 and 2007, this 1998 is the greatest Vieux Telegraphe that was produced. It has taken a good decade for this wine to shed its tannins and come out of a dormant, closed period. It has finally emerged, and notes of iodine, seaweed, black currants, incense, and sweet cherries as well as hot rocks jump from the glass of this full-bodied, powerful wine. It possesses considerable elegance and purity, along with loads of raspberries and incense, in a round, juicy, rich style that is just emerging from the closet. The wine is still youthful and a pre-adolescent in terms of its ultimate evolution. Approachable now, it will continue to evolve for another 15-20 years. Bravo!

Wine Advocate (91)

The elegant 2000 Vieux Telegraphe La Crau possesses 14.8% alcohol, along with a deep ruby/purple color, charming, rich, fruitiness, and firm tannin in the finish. With loads of freshness, copious quantities of pepper, seaweed, and black fruit characteristics, and a distinctive minerality, this full-bodied, sweet 2000 requires 2-3 years of cellaring; it should age well for 15-16 years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2018.

Wine Advocate (95)

One of the most age-worthy cuvees in the appellation, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe’s 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape was gorgeous on this occasion, showing classic iodine, seaweed and peppery herbs intermixed with layers of sweet currant, plum and blackberry fruits. Full-bodied, powerful and ripe, with a still youthful profile, this beauty won’t hit full maturity for another 3-4 years, and should hold for a decade or more after that.

Wine Advocate (94)

A super showing for this wine, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is meaty and intense, with black olives and black cherries equally sharing the spotlight. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, with a long finish, it may be just a bit coarse in texture, but it delivers happiness in the glass. Drink now or hold; it should drink well for at least another decade.

Vinous (93)

(65% grenache, 15% syrah and 15% mourvedre): Bright ruby-red. Black raspberry, cherry compote, potpourri and Asian spices on the highly perfumed nose. Juicy red and dark berry flavors stain the palate, showing terrific clarity and spicy lift. The spicy quality comes back strong on the finish, which is framed by silky, harmonious tannins. In a graceful, almost weightless style, with zero excess fat but noteworthy flavor intensity. I underestimated this wine last year.

Vinous (93)

(65% grenache, 15% syrah and 15% mourvedre): Bright ruby-red. Black raspberry, cherry compote, potpourri and Asian spices on the highly perfumed nose. Juicy red and dark berry flavors stain the palate, showing terrific clarity and spicy lift. The spicy quality comes back strong on the finish, which is framed by silky, harmonious tannins. In a graceful, almost weightless style, with zero excess fat but noteworthy flavor intensity. I underestimated this wine last year.

Vinous (93)

Opaque ruby. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes spicy dark berries and potpourri, with zesty mineral and incense qualities adding complexity. Pliant boysenberry and candied lavender flavors are impressively fresh and focused, with a hint of licorice adding depth. Closes sweet, supple and broad, with resonating spiciness and gentle tannins that add shape and grip.

Vinous (91-93)

Vivid ruby. Intense red and dark berry aromas are complemented by peppery spice, garrigue and floral pastille notes. Sappy and precise on the palate, offering concentrated, vivacious black raspberry, cherry cola and spicecake flavors. Supple, harmonious tannins build steadily on the very long, seamless finish, which leaves behind lavender and juicy dark berry notes.

James Suckling (96)

A wine with playful, attractive character. An array of red, blue and purple fruits. Gently spicy, chalky and fragrant, it has a very supple, fleshy and layered palate with a web of fine, smooth and supple tannins. Extremely elegant and composed. A long draw on the finish. Great depth and drive. This will live super long. Try after 2020.

James Suckling (98)

Impressive, complex array of wild cherries, raspberries, garrigue herbs, lightly spiced pastry and stony, chalky minerals. Super-fresh florals. The palate has superb texture, roundness, completeness, depth and detail. Powerful yet elegant with powdery tannins and essence-like red fruit. Super-fleshy, supple and dense core, then strong at the edges. Layer upon layer peels away on the finish. Resounding finesse and equilibrium, showing the full potential of the plateau La Crau. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (98)

Impressive, complex array of wild cherries, raspberries, garrigue herbs, lightly spiced pastry and stony, chalky minerals. Super-fresh florals. The palate has superb texture, roundness, completeness, depth and detail. Powerful yet elegant with powdery tannins and essence-like red fruit. Super-fleshy, supple and dense core, then strong at the edges. Layer upon layer peels away on the finish. Resounding finesse and equilibrium, showing the full potential of the plateau La Crau. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (96)

Immediately a sense of darker fruit in this vintage. The nose has closed up a little since tasting in barrel. It has some reserved, sanguine notes and an essence-like, raspberry core. Some stones and chalk here, too. Very long and focused palate. The grenache is singing here. Dense but soft and supple tannins, the product of thick, healthy skins. Best from 2025.

James Suckling (96)

Immediately a sense of darker fruit in this vintage. The nose has closed up a little since tasting in barrel. It has some reserved, sanguine notes and an essence-like, raspberry core. Some stones and chalk here, too. Very long and focused palate. The grenache is singing here. Dense but soft and supple tannins, the product of thick, healthy skins. Best from 2025.

Wine Advocate (94-96)

The final blend of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau will include 60% to 65% Grenache, 15% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, with the remainder Cinsault. Boasting complex scents of roses, black tea, raspberries and cherries on the nose, it follows that up with a full-bodied palate that's silky and airy in texture yet flavorful and tremendously long on the finish. It fits perfectly with the Brunier's stated goal of pursuing elegance.

Wine Advocate (94-96)

The final blend of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau will include 60% to 65% Grenache, 15% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, with the remainder Cinsault. Boasting complex scents of roses, black tea, raspberries and cherries on the nose, it follows that up with a full-bodied palate that's silky and airy in texture yet flavorful and tremendously long on the finish. It fits perfectly with the Brunier's stated goal of pursuing elegance.