2018 Rhône

From an average of 40 year old vines, this comes from numerous plots, with half on the hill and half on the plateau. Loads of focus here, it’s beautifully detailed and wonderfully balanced. The last remaining single Côte-Rôtie estate, and it’s a stunner.

The 2018 Beaucastel is produced in tiny quantities, but is a gorgeous wine in the vintage. Notes of blue fruit and spice, with an earthiness coming from extra Mourvèdre in the blend. One for the cellar, it’s a shame so little was produced.

The nose on this Clos des Papes is haunting, with notes of wild strawberry, plums, wild herbs, violets and crushed rocks. The palate is silky, with perfect tannins, and a sense of volume yet elegance, while the mineral, focussed finish lasts for minutes.

From a blend of Greffieux, Méal, and Bessards, this is wonderfully balanced and finessed. There’s plenty of spice here, with notes of liquorice and a herbal lift. One of Bernard’s final vintages, and it’s a winner.

From two vineyards, this is the hidden gem of Sorrel’s range. From 60 year old vines, this has a delicate floral character, with plenty of rich fruit and a beautifully long finish. One not to be missed.

Dark and intense on the nose, it’s mineral with wonderful density. There’s a balance here, with so much berry character and silkiness and wonderful grip on the finish, with a salty tang. Outstanding.

75% Grenache with the rest Syrah, this is a powerful and intense Gigondas, but one with lovely detailing to the fruit, and fragrance on the finish.

There are five different foudres here, each with a slightly different blend. The final blend will be 77% Grenache. This is pure, elegant, with stunning drive. Incredibly long, there are delicate fruits and just enough grip. Not to be missed.

Very inky, this comes from three different parcels, and production is tiny. Deep and powerful, with bloody notes and dark fruit and tapenade, there’s real intensity and structure here. Very long, very Hermitage.

There’s a beautifully balanced, yet intense and powerful Cornas. Notes of blood and iron, and such an inky character. This is a brilliant wine.

From Mauves and Tournon, there’s finesse and energy to this Saint-Joseph. Dark fruit, and plenty of fragrance, the spice on the finish gives the wine lift and length.

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.