Olivier et Lafond
A blend of 5 different varieties originating from 5 different terroirs and two different vintages, mostly very old vines. Deeply coloured. Deep black cherry scents, dense and fresh. Full-bodied, intense concentration and good freshness, tight tannins, well balanced. Good length of fruit, very black cherry on the palate too. Would put it in Lirac, or perhaps Vacqueyras - between the two in style, with a hint of Ventoux. Good structure.
Domaine Stéphane Ogier
Deeply coloured but fairly subtle in aroma, with raspberry, fresh blackberry and a touch of graphite or coal dust. Light- to medium-bodied, with fairly marked acidity and very fine, gently grippy tannins. The fruit is ripe, but quite discrete, with the acidity being more prominent. Fine, tapered finish. Very much the northern extreme of Saint-Joseph in style, in a fresh vintage like 2016, so don't expect rich, deep fruits. Refreshing and drinkable, authentic and poised.
Domaine des Tours
Still deep in colour, though turning towards a foxy colour. Plum and strawberry, a touch of sweet decay. Touch of tobacco, a little wet bonfire and date. There's a definite sweetness to the strawberry fruit, some sweet alcohol, a touch of liquorice on the finish. Remarkably good acidity, and still very drinkable, good fruit. Not the most complex or harmonious, it doesn't blow you away, but my god it's fascinating for a 15-year-old IGP Merlot from the Rhône.
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Domaine Georges Vernay
Dense purple. Lifted, fresh, spicy aromas, blackberry fruits shot through with violet. Light- to medium-bodied, deliciously concentrated fruits but very light in style, very drinkable and fresh. Essentially it’s an extremely vibrant, bright and drinkable expression of Joven Rhône Syrah that’s hard to get enough of. No rotundone to speak of in this vintage. Doesn’t quite have the detail and high-toned freshness of the 2016, but it has more depth of fruit and concentration, despite the lack of pepperiness.
Domaine des Carabiniers
Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Syrah. Fairly deep pink but far from dark. Aromatics range across redcurrant and blood orange with a herbal background. Medium-bodied with an assertive feel in the mouth; dry, firm acidity, and plenty of fairly savoury fruit flavour. Medium length. Thoroughly drinkable, very well balanced, a considered and serious wine.
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.