2018 Rhône

From old vines, this is a remarkable Hermitage. Intense dark fruit and tapenade, but still the fine thread of acidity we’ve come to love from Claire’s wines. Elegance and power.

Around 10% Roussanne in the blend here, with the rest Marsanne. This comes from three plots: L’Ermite, La Tourette and Le Sabot. Apples and spice, this is excellent but will need plenty of time to come together.

Clos Boucher is very near to the legendary Château Grillet, and this shows the opulence and purity that the estate is renowned for - at a fraction of the price. Lovely salinity here, with plenty of palate weight, and really expressive fruit. Excellent.

A blend of numerous different parcels, this is an elegant, finessed Crozes from Claire Darnaud. Notes of anise and pepper, and plenty of strawberries. Delicious.

Around 70% comes from the Côte Brune, with the rest from the Blonde. Dark and brooding, but with Côte-Rôtie’s trademark elegance, this is a nicely focussed and impressively long Syrah.

One of the greatest vineyards in Côte-Rôtie has produced a tour de force in 2018. This is powerful and structured, yet with such finesse apparent, too. Very well balanced, and stunningly long on the finish. A delight to even try.

From 30-80 year old vines, this is textured, fragrant, and very fresh. A Crozes that could easily be mistaken for a Hermitage.

A bargain at this price, this is a delicate yet intense Hermitage, with notes of blue fruit and lots of floral, violet character. A true Syrah, this couldn’t be from anywhere else.

Always the first, and the last, plot to be picked at the estate, this has notes of iron oxide and plenty of deep blue fruit. Loads of energy here. Very long indeed.