This is drawn from two parcels on the steep, granitic slopes of Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, the historic heart of Saint-Joseph that lies opposite the hill of Hermitage. Three-quarters of the blend comes from 1980s planted Syrah, while the remainder of the vines were planted in the 1950s. Both parcels are organically farmed without herbicides by the Desbos family, and both lie on steep gradients that necessitate work by hand and horse only. In the cellar, the winemakers work with around 20 to 30% whole bunches, and the wine matures for one year in used ex-Burgundy 228-litre oak casks for 11 months, followed by six months in tronconique. Bottled unfiltered, it’s a layered, deep, rocky style of St-Jo, with taut red and blue fruits complemented by crushed stone, dried dark flowers and iron filing nuances.

Clos du Lican is a standout single-vineyard wine from the Lapostolle family. It is situated on a steep, south-facing hillside in the Apalta Valley, where the soils consist of fractured granite and clay. This unique site is dedicated to Rhone varieties, specifically Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. The vineyard's altitude and orientation help keep temperatures cooler and slow ripening, preserving the fruit's natural acidity and structural integrity. The winemaking follows a traditional approach with a focus on purity. The fruit is hand-harvested and fermented in small French oak vats. The wine matures for 22 months in a combination of new and second-use French oak barrels, building complexity without overwhelming the primary fruit. The nose offers aromas of black cherry, dried lavender, and cracked black pepper. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and layered with flavours of dark plum and liquorice. Firm tannins provide a solid backbone, resulting in a dry, persistent finish. This is a robust wine with significant cellaring potential for the Australian collector.

Seppeltsfields history is punctuated with many moments of visionary foresight. Seppeltsfields founder, Joseph Seppelt and his eldest son, Benno, were particularly renowned for their longer term vision for the estate, closely following custodianship principles to ensure a legacy was passed on to future generations. Today, the 100 year old Para Tawny remains one of the worlds most collectable wines. It is the only wine in Australia to have ever been awarded 100/100 points from James Halliday.

Clos Saouma Arioso Blanc, Châteauneuf-du-Pape This is sourced entirely from the Lieu-dit of Pierredon and 100% Grenache Blanc. Its vinified the same way as the Magis see above however the élevage is just one single 500 litre demi-mud for 36 months on full lees, no racking/sulphur for the full period.

This CDP wine features a dark ruby garnet color with violet reflections and a subtle lightening at the rim. The bouquet is nuanced with herbal spices, smoky minerality, fine dry spice notes, and black berry fruit accented by thyme and sage. Hints of saddle leather and undergrowth add complexity. On the palate, it is powerful and complex, with flavors of blueberry jam and black cherries supported by ripe, rounded tannins. Notes of candied violets and black truffles emerge, leading to a firm, long finish with a touch of animalistic spice. This wine has definite aging potential.