Produce of 90% Vermentino (known in the south of France as the tongue-trilling Rolle) and 10% Ugni Blanc planted to north‑facing plots on Quaternary limestone scree and Oligocene lacustrine limestone at approximately 300 mètres in elevation. And while we would love to describe this more typically in terms of flowers or other fruits, the wine really does speak more explicitly in terms of cool of the morning green/gold grapes grown in a very happy place, harvested carefully, then tended with care and attention in the cellar prior to bottling and being sent expeditiously here to beautiful downtown Austin, Texas from there just north of Provence proper, the Luberon, that is. The move to biodynamic viticulture at Château de Mille is clearly yielding a positive result (we've seen this before) giving the wines a heightened sense of place and personality, vivacity and push. This ultra‑fresh 2024 vintage Luberon Blanc is just bursting with life and enthusiasm and refreshingness, fully dry, of course, but also so deliciously wet and thirst‑quenching in nature.

Produce of about 60% Cinsault and 40% Syrah, Ecocert-certified organically‑farmed. The vines are planted to northern exposures at about 300 mètres in elevation on Quaternary limestone scree and Eocene clay/sand soils. Deliciously pale copper/pink in color with ultra‑fresh aromas, vibrant and alive, conjuring suggestion of fraises des bois, crisp, salted and just pithy mélon d'Antibes and crushed rocks volatilized by a brief summer's rainfall (Château de Mille themselves note airy aromas of citrus and white fruits, with a hint of fresh almond); vivid and crisp on the tongue with tantalizing berryish acidity and that mouthwatering salted pithy melon thing reverberating refreshingly and long. In that this was bottled only earlier this year, we recommend decanting this pink wine for best results.

Produce of a blend of about half each Syrah and Carignan fruit, certified organically‑farmed (moving to biodynamie this fine year of 2025); ruby/purple in color with fermentive aromas a mélange of berries red and blue along with (with some air) subtle suggestion of baking spices and candied orange peel; quite engaging and with excellent equilibrium on the tongue what with a nice sense of push/pull of nervy acidity and stony/earthy/berryish fruit; leaves the palate both satisfied and refreshed, refreshed and satisfied; just as any good and wholly over‑achieving everyday red wine should.

The home of Andre Brunel is also the site of the vineyards for his Côtes‑du‑Rhône Cuvée Sommelongue. The estate is 10 kilomètres north of the village of Orange, adjacent to Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape. Cuvée Sommelongue refers to the long thin parcel of vineyard from which this typical southern Rhône Valley blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre is hand‑harvested. The vines are on average 30 years in age and are planted to typical clay/limestone soils over a gravelly subsoil which allows for ideal drainage following rain events. The fruit is picked late after achieving 14% plus potential natural alcohol, destemmed and vinified in tank, yielding a medium‑full red wine with ripe, juicy cherry and berry fruit with soft tannins and hints of the Provençal garrigue and spice; supple, silky even onto the palate, then demonstrating a gentle intensity of flavor propelled by fine ripe granular tannins that stretch it all out long, long, some kinda long and ultra fresh on the finish.

The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Clos de Belvédère reveals enticing aromatics of honeysuckle, jasmine, pear, grapefruit, white peach, pineapple, pastry, ginger and a pinch of honey. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, oily-textured and showing good energy, the nish is long-lasting. Drink 2022‑2029. Rated 94. ‑ Nicolas Greinacher, vinous.com April, 2023

Produce of an exotic (if typical) southern Rhône Valley blend of white wine grapes: clairette, white grenache, bourboulenc, marsanne, roussane and viognier, all, from 1,5 ha (3.7 acres) of vines an average age of 65 years and located on the northern, steeper and cooler part of the « Clavin ». The folks at la Vieille Julienne themselves note that 'the white grapes are very comfortable' in these marlstone and limestone soils. Deep yellow/gold in color with otherwise discreet aromas that conjur crushed limestone and a welcome hint of toastiness, like a lovingly bruised green apple baked in a pie; exotic, indeed, tactile, warming and rounded on the tongue, but then demonstrating a remarkable intensity of flavor, nerve and tension of old vines fruit impeccably farmed and then, from a winemaking standpoint, allowed to express its simply glorious environs. Henry noted that it would make a perfect accompaniment to a winter bouillabaisse or even duck confit. Mais, oui, absolument!

The 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Clavin is a little gem of a wine that has ripe darker cherry and blackberry fruits as well as some peppery, leather, and dried garrigue‑like aromatics. It's medium‑bodied, balanced, has fine tannins, and outstanding length. This is one of those wines that I always buy if I see it. Rated 90. ‑ Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com October, 2024

Moving to the Chateauneuf du Papes from barrel, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Trois Sources comes from more sandy soils. In general, this cuvée is the closest in style to the Reserve release and offers a more opulent style compared to the more structured Les Hauts‑Lieux release. Gorgeous black and blue fruits, violets, black licorice, and sappy garrigue emerge on the nose, and it’s full‑bodied, with ultra‑fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. Rated (94-96+). ‑ Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com November, 2021

The 2020 Châteauneuf du Pape Les Hauts‑Lieux comes from a cooler, higher elevation parcel and also includes slightly more Mourvedre, both of which give this cuvée a more firm, structured profile, especially in its youth. Awesome red, blue, and black fruits as well as black licorice, liquid violet, and peppery garrigue define the bouquet, and it's full‑bodied, with a great mid‑palate, ripe tannins, and a salty, almost bloody character on the finish. It shows the more charming nature of the 2020 vintage yet still deserves 4‑5 years of bottle age and will have over two decades of longevity. Drink 2026‑2048. Rated 97. ‑ Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com November, 2022

Lastly, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Reserve is another magical wine, and I might have rated this cuvée a perfect score more than any other Southern Rhône. Unquestionably in the same realm as the 2017, 2016, 2010, 2005, 2003, and 2001, it has an incredible, full‑bodied, massive style that somehow stays perfectly balanced, with flawless integration of its fruit, tannins, acidity, and alcohol. Lots of red, blue, and black fruits, loamy earth, Asian spice, licorice, and violet nuances emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with full‑bodied richness, building yet polished tannins, and a great, great finish. It’s a sexier, more opulent wine than the Les Hauts‑Lieux release yet has the same perfect tannins that are so rare to find in the vintage. This required at least 4‑5 years of bottle age and will drink brilliantly for 20‑25+ years. Drink 2025‑2052. Rated 100. ‑ Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com November, 2021

Produce of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault from vines averaging 40 years of age. Vivid ruby red with fuchsia reflections in color; aromas redolent of ripe red berries, dried cherries, cracked white pepper and a welcome whiff of la garrigue; silky smooth on entry, then building in body, demonstrating underpinning of firm pulverized stone‑like tannins that carry charged spicy/berry flavors onto the mouthwateringly fresh finish.

The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape aged for 15 months in a combination of new and old oak barriques, foudre and stainless steel tanks. It displays bright red fruit, garrigue, clove, cedar and marked wood-smoke aromas. Fitted with slightly unrefined tannins, fresh acidity balances this full-bodied 2021 made in a rather modern style. Drink 2025‑2036. Rated 89. ‑ Nicolas Greinacher, vinous.com April, 2023

Spicy herbs, ground pepper, leather, and spicy red and black fruits define the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Coudoulet De Beaucastel, a medium-bodied, elegant, complex red that should age nicely for 8-10 years, if not longer. I certainly see no need to delay gratification, though. Drink 2024‑2034. Rated 90. ‑ Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com October, 2024

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is showing beautifully, with the sun‑kissed style of the vintage yet more depth and density than most in the vintage. Blackberries, Provençal garrigue, spice, and saddle leather all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with the classic elegance of the estate in its medium to full-bodied, layered, multi‑dimensional style. It's one of the wines of the vintage and will have two decades of longevity. Drink 2024‑2044. Rated 98. ‑ Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com October, 2024

Produce of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Cinsault and 5% Mourvèdre grown on 20 acres adjacent to the Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape vineyards of Domaine de La Janasse. This superb Côtes‑du‑Rhône has been a go‑to bottle for us for some years now: deep ruby red, with hints of garrigue and pulverized stone almost wholly subsumed by sun‑drenched, almost new-world ripe grapey aromas; rich, round, generous and powerful on the tongue, with ripe kirsch‑like Grenache flavors and fine chalky/stony ripe tannins building on the palate, giving shape and structure on to the warm and invigorating finish.

Founded by Roger Marès in the 1960s, the Mas des Bressades is located in the Costières de Nîmes, in the southern Rhône Valley of France. It extends across 45 hectares to the north of the Camargue, where the vines are planted at an elevation of 70 meters on what the French call galets roulés or rolled pebbles (medium sized stones, really) rolled and rounded by glacial action and the great Rhône River. The name «Bressades» comes from the Provençal patois and, fittingly, means to rock. While the estate has long been cultivated with respect for nature and the soil, in 2017 Cyril Marès requested certification in organic farming. After three years of conversion, it is now official. Produce of an inspired south of France mingling of 50% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc, 10% Marsanne and 10% Viognier, their Costières de Nîmes Blanc is a vivid pale platinum/yellow in color with aromas suggestive of white pepper, fresh salt sea breezes, cool green/gold berries and crisp cool melon blanc d'Antibe; both ample and bright with its mineral edge on keen display, mouthwateringly fresh and vibrant on the tongue and just oh so deliciously refreshing and quaffable.

Alluringly rich, dense, ruby/purple in color to fuchsia at the edges with beguiling perfumed aromas that suggest sun, sea, berry and stone along with a hint of cracked black pepper; deep-pitched, pulverized stone and spicy fleshy berry on the tongue, potent, generous; and while we might tend to compare this to its Rhône Valley neighbor Châteauneuf-du-Pape (less than an hour's drive to the northeast), this remains more upfront, juicy and pliant if still a stony/mineral, potent red wine.

Produce of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah fruit organically/biodynamically farmed and hand-harvested from vines an average of 25 years old and planted to the garrigues and Helvetian sand and sandstone soils in the Mediterranean climes of the southern Rhône Valley near Vacqueyras. Winemaking is traditional, the fruit is completely destemmed, there is a light crushing of the berries and fermentation on natural indigenous grape yeasts, the wine is aged in cement for one winter, then bottled. Vibrant and glowing translucent ruby to fuchsia at the edges in color with exotic almost perfumed aromas suggestive of wild strawberry conserve and grape pomace (it is, of course, biodynamically farmed grapes) with maybe just a hint of reduction (almost like roasted coffee beans; Henry noted the scent of garrigue after a bit of time in the glass); silken smooth onto the palate, then fresh and crisp, almost crunchy in texture (crunchy red berries), with pulverized stone-like, chalky dry jittery tannins building, carrying at once delicate and vibrant flavors long and fresh on the finish. An amusement for the tastebuds, indeed.

Showing even better than when I tasted it last year, the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle is another ripe, powerful, sexy, and full-bodied example of this cuvée that brings classic La Chapelle gamey darker fruits as well as smoked meats, chocolate, sandalwood, and peppery spice. Full-bodied on the palate, it has good concentration, lots of ripeness, polished tannins, and a great, great finish. As with the 2018, it's opened up beautifully on the palate since I tasted it at the domaine and is a ripe, expansive, pure, beautiful Hermitage. Rated 97. - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com June, 2022

The 2018 Hermitage La Chapelle is a monster of a wine that brings tons of richness and depth while staying light on its feet and balanced. Lots of ripe red and blue fruits as well as flowers, smoked meat, licorice, and spice define the bouquet, and it's full-bodied, has a ripe, powerful, yet balanced mouthfeel, and a great finish. Given some previous showings of this wine, it was surprisingly accessible on this occasion, with a wealth of fruit, sweet tannins, and tons of character. It's a brilliant wine as well as a magical Hermitage. Rated 98. - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com June, 2022

Opaque ruby. Displays powerful, highly perfumed aromas of black/blue fruit preserves, licorice, cola, baking spices and potpourri, along with an exotic suggestion of incense. Utterly stains the palate with intense blackberry, cherry, cassis, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that deliver a suave blend of weight and energy. Youthfully solid tannins add shape and grip to an extremely long, mineral- and floral-accented finish that shows outstanding clarity and dark fruit thrust. Drink 2028‑2040. Rated 96.  Josh Raynolds, vinous.com March, 2020

The 2017 Hermitage La Chapelle showed incredibly well and is a brilliant wine that's reminiscent of a richer, denser 2011. Loads of sun-kissed dark fruits, leather, graphite, and flowers, with ample spice and sandalwood nuances, give way to a full-bodied, pure, deep, multi-dimensional Hermitage that’s just about as good as it gets. The balance, length, and depth of this is something to behold, and while it unquestionably offers pleasure today, it has another 20-30 years of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2022‑2052. Rated 99. - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com June, 2022

Saturated violet color. Intensely perfumed ripe black/blue fruits, violet candy, exotic spices and smoky minerals show fine definition and lift. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering deeply concentrated yet lively black raspberry, boysenberry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors and a late touch of licorice. Finishes smooth, sappy and extremely long, with chewy tannins lending shape and grip to resonating dark berry and floral notes. Drink 2026‑2038. Rated 95.  Josh Raynolds, vinous.com March, 2020