2006 Beaucastel Roussanne Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf blanc - I consider Roussanne a whatchamacallit you can only define when you try it and this is the best example. There’s plenty of energy in this liquid equivalent to a Porsche’s racing engine. Energy, texture and unwavering complexity without any cultural snobbishness. If you see some, pick a couple up because if you don’t they’ll be gone when you wake up in the morning. A proper white wine. Riedel Vinum Syrah. 13.5%vol. 96pts
2006 Janasse Chaupin Chateauneuf - More McLaren Vale then southern Rhone in terms of alcohol and fruit concentration this extreme-styled wine is very tight and structured with a spiciness that lingers and evolves. It’s honest though and if you value unbridled power this is right up your alley. Needs time to develop but if you do brooch one drink this on the cool side. Riedel Vinum Syrah. 15.5%vol. 90pts
1999 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf - Drank a few weeks ago and we still have a delight showing the (deliciously) earthy charm of old fashioned Grenache plaited with smoky garrigue and sweetly spiced/savoury details. Personally I’d like a little more dirt here, but hey ho, the gamey/leathery notes make up for it. I just wish it was still under £15 a bottle. Riedel Vinum Syrah. 14%vol. 93pts
2005 Bilancia La Collina Syrah - After a two hour decant you’ll be shooting Cupid’s arrows straight at this knockout liquid. Spicy fruits, purple blooms, a rousing texture and a lingering finish will keep this wine on your mind and palate for days. A tiny trace of VA adds complexity. A surefire winner and better Scott Stirling and his face of steel (Google him) after just a few sips! Riedel Vinum Syrah. 14%vol. 94 pts
2000 Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle - This was supposed to be shti….erm, not very good….according to many pundits when released. However after a 4 hour decant (there was a load of sediment in this bottle) this little vixen is hitting its stride and is looking for a night on the town. At 15 this will keep you on the highway to happiness with its bloodbath fruits, sultry tannins even if the acidity pokes out a little. Lacks real complexity but you’ll be licking your lips and coming back for more. Riedel Vinum Syrah. 13.5%vol. 90pts
2011 Barroche Pure Chateauneuf - Rich and vivacious with a divine display of spicy cherry fruit, killer clarity and more minerality than I usually get from this wine it ideally needs another decade of cellaring. An intense, focused wine, made from 110 year old Grenache vines, which is impressive for the vintage. Riedel Vinum Syrah. 15%vol (I reckon it’s closer to 17%) 92pts
2009 Barroche Cuvee Pure Chateauneuf - This is so cool and seductive it’s better than getting 3 bells on a fruit machine. Irrefutably built to weather any storm it is a massive step up in quality from the 09 Signature having the stuffing to age although I’m not sure what youʼd get for the effort. May show best with food (which is not always the case with these sort of wines) but is patently not without its own version of finesse. A wine that keeps you smiling to the very last drop
Riedel Vinum Syrah glass. 15%vol. 94pts2011 Cote Rotie Chateau de Montlys - This is one of those early drinking Cote Roties, something I don’t see the point of, especially compared to a young Crozes for example. A delicate young wine, almost new world-y with the oak, without the complexity or structure I’d expect of this appellation and lacking the proper Cote Rotie perfume. Will improve over the next 2 years but don’t expect fireworks. Riedal Vinum Syrah. 13%vol. 89pts