The 2015 Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Alpilles from this terrific estate in Provence (it’s located just south of Avignon) is a winner. Based on a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, it has a terrific perfume of sweet red and black fruits, tobacco leaf, ground pepper, and herbes de Provence. With a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, great intensity and elegance, ultra-fine tannins, and a big finish, it’s another classy, balanced wine from this terrific estate that’s going to evolve gracefully for 15+ years.

45% Marsanne, 45% Roussanne, 10% Chardonnay. Fermented in oak, of which 20% was new. Slaty matchstick aromas. Glossy, medium body and crystallised, candied fruit. After the trendy reductive nose, the palate goes fairly simple. Seems more like quality Burgundy than Rhône, but could use a bit more length and structure. (RH)