Domaine de Galuval Les Collines Rasteau 2020
40% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 30% Mourvedre
Colour:
Deep garnet with purple highlights — dense and youthful.
Nose:
Ripe black cherry, blackberry compote and plum lead the way. Layers of garrigue (thyme, rosemary), cracked black pepper, liquorice root and a touch of cocoa. Subtle smoky mineral edge underneath.
Palate:
Full-bodied and powerful but polished. Concentrated dark fruit core with notes of kirsch, black olive tapenade and sweet spice. Tannins are firm yet rounded, typical of Rasteau’s warmth. Fresh acidity keeps it lifted despite the richness.
Finish:
Long, warming and savoury — dark fruit, spice and a hint of dried herbs lingering.
Yves Cuilleron Saint-Joseph Les Pierres Sèches 2023
Yves Cuilleron Saint-Joseph Les Pierres Sèches 2023 opens with a bright ruby-to-purplish hue and an elegant aromatic profile that showcases fresh red and dark fruits—think raspberry, blueberry, and cassis—lifted by floral violet notes and a dash of black pepper spice that’s typical of Syrah from the northern Rhône. There’s also a subtle mineral edge reflecting the sandy, granitic soils of the hillside vineyards where the grapes are grown, giving the nose both vibrancy and precision.
On the palate, the 2023 Les Pierres Sèches displays juicy, tangy fruit balanced by crisp acidity and supple tannins, making it both expressive and approachable. Flavours of ripe berry, cherry, violet, pepper, and a hint of smoky mineral interplay seamlessly, while the wine’s medium-lean structure keeps it lively rather than heavy. The finish is fresh and focused, with a persistent juicy quality and gentle spice that lingers.
Overall, this Saint-Joseph is a well-balanced Syrah that melds fruit intensity with classic northern Rhône savoury character. It’s enjoyable young for its energetic fruit and approachable texture but also has enough structure and freshness to evolve gracefully over the next several years. Its versatility makes it a great match for grilled meats, richer poultry dishes, or earthy roasted vegetables.
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge 2022
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge may be labelled Côtes du Rhône, but in reality this wine is so much more than that. It’s made by Châteauneuf’s iconic Château de Beaucastel and lavished with the same care and expertise that the Perrin family invest in their legendary Châteauneuf du Pape. The grapes are a classic southern Rhône blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, plus a splash of Cinsault, all from prized vineyards on the estate. Fruit is sorted by hand and state of the art laser scanners, ensuring that only the ripest, juiciest grapes are selected for the cuvée. Peppery bramble fruit aromas lead to vibrant black cherry and spiced plum flavours. You’ll find this a Côtes du Rhône of rare depth and class that excels with casseroles or slow roasted belly pork.