Domaine des Tours
Remarkably pale, not far off a rosé. Pure red cherry fragrance, English strawberry, sage. Light- to medium-bodied, good acidity, dry finish, very dry in fact, savoury and slightly herbal. Gentle sucrosité to the fruit, not terribly intense, quite short, but at least authentic and true to the region and producer. Basic stuff, but enough interest to make it worthwhile.
Domaine Solence
Red apple, gently floral, with a touch of cookie dough. Medium-bodied, acidity is balanced, nicely judged. Generous in body but not overly full, well balanced. Aromatically not the most expressive or defined, but has good energy and an enjoyably textural mouthfeel. Drinkable, enjoyable.
Tanners
Made by the Gonnet family of Font de Michelle in Châteauneuf. Appealing bright raspberry fruits, some herbal detail. Medium-bodied, juicy Grenache fruit with good acidity. Lively and well balanced Côtes-du-Rhône with good typicity. Gentle wet-clay tannins on the finish. Juicy and easy to drink.
Domaine des Anges
Raspberry, raspberry leaf and a touch of cherry, some savoury elements among the fruit. Light- to medium-bodied, lively, with good acidity and brisk, snappy tannins. Not terribly long or complex, but it’s refreshing and drinkable. Balanced, dry finish – good mid-week drinking. They’ve been easy on the extraction, which was a wise move.
Mas de Cynanque
Honeyed and nutty on the nose but with bright freshness. Cheeky touch of toasted hazelnut. Full bodied, low acidity but balanced with minerality and bitterness. Medium length, very well balanced, which is quite a feat. Dry, grippy finish.