Maison Ventenac
Deep and inviting nose, with a touch of the herbal and earthy that you might expect from Cab Franc. More red pepper than green though. Medium-bodied, juicy and deep in fruit, very fine though fairly lush tannins and a silky whisp of a finish. Feline and pure.
Olivier et Lafond
Full, sweetly fruited, rounded, more concentrated and generous than their standard Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with more length of fruit. Damson, touch of garrigue herbs and sage. Nice sense of purity and freshness. Tannins are soft, malleable, and just ample enough to bring freshness. Convincing.
Vilmart et Cie
Disgorged June 2017. 45-year-old vines, family owned since 1890. 10 months in 228l oak barrels, no malo. Vanilla-flecked apple compote on the nose, very fresh. A fairly light, direct, precise style, with lovely fresh mineral sheen on the palate. A wine of great elegance and class, stylish, sophisticated, harmonious and satisfying. Very drinkable. Impressive.