Opaque ruby. Heady aromas of mineral-tinged dark berry preserve, incense and espresso; a sexy floral nuance gains power as the wine opens up. Smoky, appealingly sweet and lively on the palate, offering densely packed black and blue fruit, cola and candied licorice flavors braced by juicy acidity and exotic flourishes of five-spice powder and violet pastille. Finishes with outstanding clarity and dark-fruit-dominated persistence, leaving suave floral and spicecake notes behind.

Sample of Mourvèdre which always comes from the same parcel planted in 1909. This is the core of Hommage, making up approximately 70% to be blended with Grenache, Counoise and others. Intense blackberry fruit on the nose with crystalline purity and extremely fine tannic weave on the palate. Such elegance! Has vivid, expert fruit. Stunning. (RH)

Beautifully fresh, lifted and disarming on the nose, you react with a smile without thinking, like with so many of the best 2016s. At this stage there's liquorice, a little black pepper and some floral overtones alongside a little grilled toast. It's full-bodied, you feel the sun in the wine, and it's so concentrated. Tannins are wonderfully glossy and fine, the wine is saturated with them, they coat your mouth. Long finish with real persistence. Perfectly balanced, utterly harmonious, this will be a panoramic Châteauneuf when it's ready. Not overblown or overextracted - perfectly pitched.