The Southern Rhône: New releases

This is one of the most celebrated blends of the southern Rhône, notable for its high proportion of Mourvèdre. This variety gives it cool cassis fruit, structure and length. Grenache adds sweet berry tones and a supple texture, and Syrah a dark, powerful concentration, with liquorice intensity. The 2021 is pure and charming, with bright, juicy fruit and a lithe, refreshing feel.

This is a perennial favourite at Lay & Wheeler, and invariably sells out quickly,such is the quality on offer for the price. The 2020 has such a precise peppery nose, with mouth-coating fresh berry fruit on the palate. The Coudoulet vineyard lies right next to Château de Beaucastel’s main block, and is in fact a continuation of the same soil features. That it lies just beyond the limit of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape boundary, and made by one of the southern Rhône’s greatest winemaking families, means it might just be the best Côtes du Rhône money can buy.

Made from Beaucastel's 85 - 100 year old vines with half of the wine matured in oak. These low yielding vines have produced an incredibly concentrated 2021, with warmth and musky complexity on the palate. Enjoy it's aromatic freshness now or leave for 15+ years to develop complex, honeyed flavours.

From just over the border of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Coudoulet is one of the hidden gems from the Beaucastel stable. This blend of Viognier, Marsanne, Bourboulenc and Clairette is . charming and elegant in this slightly cooler year, with delicate floral character on the nose, and lovely fresh acidity.

Made from 80% Roussanne, this is rich with a slightly creamy texture and nice freshness on the finish, reflecting the cooler vintage. Impressive already but tightly wound with subtle aromatics.