Olivier et Lafond
Five-year-old negociant business, a partnership between two winemaking consultants. 100% Clairette. Pale in colour. Medium-bodied, good freshness and drinkability, a fine mineral seam and lifted finish. Touch of citrus pith and almond. Fairly long for a Ventoux. It's fairly simple in fruit, but very well balanced and drinkable. A good rich aperitif option.
St Jean du Barroux
Lavender, plum, damson, all lifted by a jot of VA. Full-bodied, mouthcoating fruit and fine, but muscular, tannins. Very long indeed. The finish is gently warming but the fruit is very fresh, and it's nonetheless delicious.
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.
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.