The Southern Rhône: New releases

2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Bois de Boursan Dry | Red | Still | 14%

This classic, old-school Châteauneuf from Jean-Paul Versino is one of our favourites. It comes from a blend of 27 plots, making for a balanced, complete, and inviting grenache-based Châteauneuf. It is dry and savoury, with the gorgeous combination of red berry fruit, dried herbs, spice and just a hint of licorice. In 2021, there's a charming, easy-going feel to the wine, with only 14% alcohol and plenty of lifted, fresh acidity. This will drink well from early on, and evolve into an earthy, complex wine in the cellar.

Ready: 2024 - 2038

2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvée Félix, Domaine Bois de Boursan Dry | Red | Still | 14.5%

Only made in the better vintages Jean-Paul thinks around 10% of the wine this year has gone into Cuvée Félix, from their 27 plots across 16 hectares. It contains 30% Mourvèdre which lends a musky, cool blackcurrant character. Finely packed tannins coat the mouth and there's a lot of dark fruit concentration on the palate. Floral hints and fresh acidity builds to a fine finish, this should be fantastic with a few years in bottle.

Young: 2025 - 2040