France

Always a great value, the 2019 Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Les Vignes De Bila Haut is close to equal parts Grenache and Syrah that was destemmed and brought up in concrete and stainless steel. Its vivid purple hue is followed by lots of red and blue fruits, floral and peppery nuances, a medium-bodied mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a great finish.

René Rostaing has been producing high-quality Syrah and Viognier in the Northern Rhone for over 25 years. The property is comprised of 14 lieux-dits, scattered over 20+ hectares, with vines ranging in age from 60-100 years.

Domaine Champet was founded by Emile Champet, who was one of the first pioneers to cultivate vineyards in the rugged woods of La Vialliere. Today, his grandsons Romain and Maxime carry on the family’s legacy by continuing to vinify wines in the traditional regional style (100% whole clusters, native yeasts, and aging in neutral barrels).

Eric Texier single-handedly rescued Brezeme, an obscure sub-region of the Northern Rhone where heritage Syrah is grown. This wine is his staple: 100% Syrah produced from middle-aged, south-facing vines. It's a great introduction to Texier's wines, but also just a great value in Northern Rhone loveliness.

The color pours into an intense cherry-red colour. The nose greets you to the aromas of small red fruits and blackcurrants. The palate is very round wine with aromas of red fruits such as cherry and raspberry.