2018 Cotes du Rhone Vieilles Vignes

A tiny property, for many years Font de Courtedune sold its fruit to the local co-op. Its vineyards, however, are right next door to Château Rayas, one of the region’s most lauded names. Working with sandy soils and old vines, brother and sister Frédéric and Caroline Charrier craft wines that compete at a level far beyond their price-point. They do as little as possible in the winery, working almost exclusively with Grenache to make serious expressions of the grape at its best. Given the necessary time in the cellar and glass, these wines offer perfume, power and elegance – a style that is extremely similar to Château des Tours. Subtle and pale purple, Courtedune’s 2018 Côtes-du-Rhône Vieilles Vignes is almost 100% Grenache with the addition of tiny amounts of Syrah and Cinsault. The nose is exuberant and keeps building with air. The wine is packed with dark fruit, blackberries, candied liquorice and even some summery floral notes. Very juicy, on the palate, the wine evolves to display a wider flavour profile – with hints of white pepper and dried garrigue herbs that spice up the mid-palate. Very light, silky, soft tannins make it approachable and already enjoyable. But, knowing the way Courtedune’s Côtes-du-Rhône evolves, it will reward anyone who manages to resist temptation for two to three years – good luck with that!