LVT 2017 r 2015 wh 2017 rosé This is a good address for consistent wines with a decent amount of local pedigree. The Brotte family started to vinify their purchased crop in 1980, a rare early example of what is now an accepted practice. Also work closely with Domaine Grosset at Cairanne, and own Domaine Barville at Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Château de Bord at Laudun. From 2012 and 2015, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine Barville red has varied between ***(*) and ****, the Les Hauts de Barville red also a **** wine in 2017, bearing refined fruit

LVT 2017 r  A joint venture between the Grangeon family of Domaine de Cristia and their USA importer Peter Weygandt. There are two plots each of 1.7 hectares on adjoining sites on the sandy soils of Courthézon, which were bought in 2009. Le Grand Pin (as in Pignan) is a little higher than Guigasse, and the vines are younger. The wines are made in genuine hands-off fashion, and evoke the 1960s of laissez-faire winemaking, before the 100 point brigade rode into town. The Grand Pin was an exciting ****** wine in 2015, and ****(*) in 2016

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh 2015 rosé  Sound, maybe mainstream, but prices are reasonable. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds, a trio, were really good, ranging from **** on the Vignobles de la Serrière to ***** [Hommage Odette Bernard] wines, with the Grande Réserve a ****(*) STGT wine. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grande Réserve red was the top of the three reds in 2017, a stylish, balanced ****(*) wine. The Côtes du Rhône Grande Réserve white is a steady wine, usually around ***, the red similar

LVT 2017 r 2014 wh Correct, sometimes very good Tradition red - a savoury **** in 2015, and an extremely long ****(*) in 2017; the Prestige is a better wine, hence the Trad is a less good wine. C'est simple. Very ripe crop use is emphasized. Son Arnaud, born 1990, has been working on the domaine since 2012 – in the vineyards and the cellar, while daughter Astrid, born 1995, has been working on the commercial side since 2015.

LVT 2012 r The owner of the Domaine de la Charité that makes sound Côtes du Rhône in the Gard, right bank, vineyards. His first steps into Châteauneuf-du-Pape here. Oaking a-plenty.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Top class, across many wines, too. The Vieilles Vignes white is an admirably stylish, intriguing white, with the 2014 **** and promising much future complexity. The red Beaucastels can be plump and accessible, as in 2014, or more slow burn, as in 2013. The content is more fleshy and redondo than it used to be in the 1990s-2000s, the ***** 2016 Beaucastel red a good example of that. Even the Famille Perrin Vieille Ferme wines have taken a move forward in 2014-2015 after a bit of a dip (see Famille Perrin entry).

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh Finely styled red wines from N-E of appellation, near Courthézon, a lot of sand in the soils. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape whites have a hand made feel; the 2016 was a serene **** wine. The Puy Rolland is a stylish single 4 hectare vineyard wine within the estate, based on 1910-1920 and replacement Grenache; all three of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 were **** wines

LVT (Last Vintage Tasted) 2017 r 2016 wh Leading name, modern style, wines that age well. Gardine is in the west of the appellation, with loose draining, limestone-influenced galet soils. Among the Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds is a 3,000 bottle Peur Bleue wine, with zero added SO2. This was a w.o.w. ****(*) wine holding entrancing fruit in 2016. The Brunels also own the modern fruited Château Saint-Roch at Lirac, and since 2007, a range of merchant wines called Brunel de la Gardine - very sound Côtes du Rhône red. There is a good Rasteau red, with a zero added SO2 added in 2016, called Rasteau Meme Pas Peur. The classic Châteauneuf white is consistently excellent, very enjoyable, a wine of elegance. There is now a Rasteau red as well - ***(*) in 2014 and **** in 2015.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Sleekly styled wines from a very old estate. The special Val de Dieu red was a genuine, muscular, **** wine in 2015, while the 2016 Clos du Belvédère white (100% old Grenache blanc) was a tremendously long and elegant ****(*) wine, with oak. The Château de Vaudieu white hovers between ***(*) and ****, but a standout was the ****(*) 2017, a wine of subtlety and detail, very well assembled in such a hot and dry vintage.  The Bréchets also own Domaine des Bosquets at Gigondas and Domaine de la Jerome Côtes du Rhône Villages.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2011 rosé Good, supple fruit these days in the reds, wines of stature. The classic Châteauneuf red was **** in 2015, a wine of true virtues, and also in 2017. The ****(*) 2017 Châteauneuf Château des Fines Roches white [the classic wine] stood out in a tricky hot year for its class and balance. The family also own Château du Bois de la Garde nearby, which provides very sound, consistent Côtes du Rhône and Villages wines.

LVT 2016 r Champions of whole bunch fermentation, followed by 3 or 4 years of vat raising. Popular in Scandinavia. Mature style wines. The 2012 and 2013, 2015 and 2016 Très Vieilles Vignes Cuvée Prestige red were both marvellous - really true, the 2013 and the 2015 STGT, all the first three wines ****(*), the 2016 ***** 

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh  Has moved to much earlier bottling. Rock steady, underestimated wines with plenty of drive. The Vieux Chemin is full and authentic red. The Château Fargueirol Châteauneuf-du-Pape red was a juicy, genuine **** wine in 2015, an STGT **** wine in 2016, and a genuine, local **** wine in 2017, while the old vine 100% Grenache Cuvée Antonin red was a vigorous, fresh ****(*) wine in 2015. The 2017 white was  an authentic, well-filled **** wine

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh More and more use of Syrah, also Mourvèdre risen from 5% in 2007 to 23% in 2016), and the Counoise has been thrown out after soil studies said it was not best suited . . The 80% Syrah Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve red, occasionally made, was ****(*) wine in 2010 and 2015, the latter STGT also.  The 2017 white, a wine I ahve enjoyed over the years with local colour in it, was a ****(*) wine, a true southern delivery in it.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2011 rosé Progress here with the Châteauneuf-du-Pape, whose vineyards are now organic, but also other wines: witness the excellent 2015 Côtes du Rhône Bois des Moines red, made from old vines, half Grenache (1952), half Mourvèdre, a ****(*) wine. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos du Roi white was a fat, stylish **** wine

LVT 2014 wh 2014 r Since 2008, a 10 hectare estate. Having been in the Lubéron since the the late 1980s, the owners subsequently separated. Fair quality wines from sandy soils. The Saintes Vierges white is pretty successful, can be a **** wine.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh This was separated from Château des Fines Roches in 2005 – it is in the same ownership. Before 2005, its wine went into the Château des Fines Roches wine, although a little of its own wine was issued in 2003. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape red has a sleek style

LVT 2016 r 2017 wh Modern, sleek wines, have lost some of their character recently, and crop has been harvested extremely early. There is a new manager, Ralph Garcin, who arrived in 2016. It is a long-time organic domaine, one of the largest and oldest. . The special Cadettes red was a ****(*) wine in 2016, with its recent high of 52% Grenache welcome in my view. The white is elegant, the Clos de Beauvenir the plot-specific wine from just in front of the Château. It is less obviously oaked, and more refined as result, from the 2016 vintage, which was a **** wine

LVT  2017 r 2016 wh  2011 rosé The wines are more smoothly fruited than in the past; an estate that has been on the up after enjoying wide renown in the 1950s-1960s. The main shareholder now is the Lavau family. The vineyards are organic. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape white is modest, the special Trésor des Papes white from old vines better - the 2016 flirting with Vin Nature style, a **** wine with good personality. The preferred 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red of the three tasted was the L'Esprit de Maucoil, a **** wine

LVT 2014 wh 2014 r Organic from 2012. The laboratory for local growers, and the wine school for budding winemakers and viticulteurs from all over France. Based in the north area of Châteauneuf-du-Pape on the way to Orange. It is now certified organic. I find progress since around 2010, both red and white - the latter unusually made from 100% Clairette rose.

LVT 2017 r Robust style, genuine. There are never more than 10,000 bottles of the red; the 2016 was a generous **** wine, typical of the vintage

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2012 rosé  Take your time wines that fuse and blossom very slowly. Quality has been on the rise recently, with the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red [there is happily only one wine] an outstanding ****** wine, taking me back to the glory days of the 1960s from here, and the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape white a ****(*) wine of good local presence. They also own a good vineyard in Lirac at Roquemaure, the old Verda Cantegril, which gives a full and fluid Lirac red. A good Gigondas Château Mont-Redon Réserve red was recently added, the 2017, a **** wine. There is also a growing amount of a branded Côtes du Rhône Réserve Mont-Redon red, which was a fresh ***(*) wine in 2015. The two families who have run it for decades, Abeille and Fabre, went their separate ways in 2016-17, and the manager in charge now is Pierre Fabre.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Grandiose. The most fascinating wines you can encounter anywhere. STGT on the agenda, with extremely well cared for vineyards and hands-off winemaking, the wines raised in extremely old mainly 600-litre, misshapen casks. Always late harvesting here, into November occasionally. The Reynaud family also own the wonderful Côtes du Rhône Château de Fonsalette a little to the north, and the Vacqueyras Château des Tours, the latter very close to Rayas in its gentle, spiced features, and offering a very good red and white Côtes du Rhône as well.

LVT 2014 r Also make a punchy Plan de Dieu. Christian is the son of the legendary Gabriel Meffre of Gigondas.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2012 rosé  Now organic and biodynamic. I note progress with the 2011 and 2014 (white Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Le Traversier is good, also **** in 2017) and the red Massif d'Uchaux Jocundaz in 2011, 2012, 2015 - the 2015 a **** w.o.w.wine). There has been shorter raising on the red Châteauneuf-du-Pape, now called Le Traversier, since 2011; the 2015 was a good hearted **** wine, while the 2016 special Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Grandes Grenachières d’Hippolyte red was an intricate **** wine

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh Modern, progressive, doing well. The Châteauneuf Château Sixtine red is very good - the 2015 was an extremely long, STGT ***** wine, while the Tradition level wine, Cuvée du Vatican red was also STGT in 2015, a **** wine. The Manus Dei Châteauneuf red is a merchant wine. The white 100% Roussanne is well adapted to traditional, sauced cuisine; the 2015 was a **** wine.

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh Owned by Ogier these days, reviving, sound+ wines. The quality for both the red and the white ranges between *** and ****, with the red Clos de l'Oratoire a ****(*) wine of quiet inner complexity in 2015, and a potentially varied and interesting ****(*) wine in 2016. I regard the label as about the most iconic in the whole of the Rhône.

LVT 2016 r Good, local style, authentic wines. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red was a VALUE, STGT ****(*) wine.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Gold standard estate, joy to taste only one red, one white, so good blending is crucial. The yields are always very low – not much more than 20 hl/ha, which serves to concentrate the red wine, and there is an above average emphasis on the Mourvèdre, all planted in clay soils. The blend is now usually 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% various including white grapes, having been 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% various including white grapes into the early 2010s. The 2014 red was utterly charming, a real en finesse ****(*) beauty, while the 2015 is logically a bolder, more demanding ***** wine, requiring patience. The ****** 2016 red is enormously, majestically deep and long, a vintage that will age extremely well. The whites drink well in their first couple of years, then back off, close down, and emerge as more complex, stimulating wines around seven years' old [Vincent likes to drink them around 15 years' old]; they live well and deserve a top table accompaniment. Both the 2015 and 2017 whites were STGT.

LVT 1994 r Traditional domaine

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh A staple, mainstay domaine at Châteauneuf. The wines reflect the best characteristics of the Grenache. They would be considered by some as traditional, with a long cask and large barrel ageing meaning they rarely carry vivacious fruit. The wines live a very long time, and in vintages such as 1961, 1978 and 1990 are wonderful examples of core Châteauneuf, with STGT qualities. The special Papet Châteauneuf red is often a marvellous wine - ****(*) in 2015, ***** in 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2012, ****** in 1990. The Côtes du Rhône reds are full of character and come from old vines near Bollène - their success in the tricky 2014 vintage is testament to the quality of the vineyards and the domaine.

LVT 2015 r 2015 wh Always a domaine that delivers full wines with genuine character. Since 2003, the wine style has been markedly changed at this previously traditional estate. The grapes are picked later and more fully ripe than before. Fruit bomb syndrome hovers like a Flying Cigar. Destemming and more cellar work during vinification has been undertaken. Vatting time without the stalks has risen from 25 days to 35-38 days. The aim has been to soften the wines and allow earlier drinking.

The Tradition remains generally well-filled, and is the most accessible of the three reds. Of the two Prestige wines, the Combe des Fous is more local and opens earlier than the Deus ex Machina, which is robust, smoky wine supported by 40% Mourvèdre; both were **** wines in 2015. All the wines here benefit from being drunk from four to five years on – they are thorough and need time. A frisky vin de pays red and a solid white Châteauneuf (the 2015 a **** STGT wine), with a red Côtes du Rhône that is mostly sold the Netherlands complete the picture. The quantity bottled on the Tradition cuvée has risen from 37,000 in 2005 to 100,000 in the 2007 vintage. The rest of the wine is sold in bulk.

LVT 2017 r 2016 rosé 2017 wh Modern approach, accessible wines from the draining soils of the South-East of the appellation towards Sorgues. The Châteauneuf white has been very good from 2012 to 2014, while both the 2014 and the 2016 Châteauneuf Tradition reds were **** wines. The range now covers as many as six different Châteauneuf reds with different blends, including the 100% Mourvèdre Grand Clos red and the 80% Syrah, 20% Grenache gris Coteau Brûlé red. Whole bunches are fermented these days. The 2017 Grand Vin, half Grenache, half Syrah, was the top 2017 at ****(*). They are all bottled within one year after the harvest. Their Côtes du Rhônes come from very good alluvial, garrigue soils at Sérignan-du-Comtat

LVT 2015 r  2016 wh  A domaine with a long history, and a notably high profile, much visited by Parisians and le beau monde in the 1930s. The first vinification on the spot in a new cellar was in 2014; rented vats were used before. The first vintage under the Perveyries was 2010 in red, and 2014 in white. Carole is an Arnaud of the Domaine des Cabrières and Château de Maucoil in the past, and their eight hectares had latterly been within Maucoil. The main lieux-dits are Palestor and Bois de la Ville. The wines have been organic since 2012. The vin de pays crop – one-third each Caladoc, Marselan and Syrah, planted in 2013 for an amusing red - is sold to merchants, as is most of the Châteauneuf - only 4,000 bottles of the Urbi red are made. Both the 2013 and 2015 Urbi were **** wines.

LVT 2014 r 2016 wh Traditional approach: the red wines are full-bodied, clear and genuine, with improvement noted on the ****(*) 2012, the STGT **** 2013, and **** 2014 reds. The 2014 white was **** after a halting, lightweight start.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Albin's mother is an Arnaud of Château Cabrières. He has received his own vineyards from that estate after his mother`s divorce settlement. The Domaine La Bégude des Papes is the original chunk of that - 10 ha - but more vineyards are to come, and the name will be Domaine Albin Jacumin henceforth. His cellar was built in 2007. The red is shapely; the 2015 captured the vintage well - it was muscular, and well-defined, a ****(*) wine. The white, ripe but also fresh, has made marked progress since 2014, the 2017 a sophisticated, graceful *****(*), a real achievment in such a hot vintage

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2011 rosé Very good address, often STGT wines, too. Fair pricing. The special Vin de Felibre d'Anseume Mathieu red is a very consistent Prestige wine, rarely below ****. The 2017 white, 50 Clairette, 40% Grenache blanc, delivered a stylish **** STGT wine. For years the domaine was called Domaine Mathieu, until the split after the 2014 vintage of the two brothers, Jérôme (his domaine now called Saje) and André

LVT 2017 r 2015 wh Owned by the Brotte family, with its wine previously part of Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes. The 2016 Domaine Barville Châteauneuf-du-Pape red was a sweet-hearted, genuine **** wine, the 2017 also ****, a restrained style to it

LVT 2015 r 2008 wh Organic domaine since 2001, an ex Co-operateur; promise is being delieverd in the mid-2010s

LVT 2013  r  Daughter of the Berthet Rayne family, promising start

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2011 rosé Officially organic since the 2007 vintage. Fair prices, fair-plus quality that, if anything, is on the rise. They have an association with the golfer Nick Faldo for one of the six wines in his "collection", a Châteauneuf-du-Pape red. A new 100% Grenache Châteauneuf-du-Pape red was introduced in 2015, Elixir des Papes, steel vat raised, bottled early, in June following the harvest. The 2015 was an engaging and deep ****(*) wine, the 2016 a fine ****, and the 2017 a very long ****(*) wine.

LVT 2017 r 2013 wh  Really good, reliable, traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape, both red and white. Good value, as well. It is now organic.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2010 rosé The Tradition red is good value, and STGT. The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape white was a **** STGT wine, too, a relief after some lighter recent vintages. The other red wines are smoothly Grenache-dominated; the Gloire de Grand-Père was a good ****(*) wine when tasted pre-bottling for both 2015 and 2016 (the 2016 STGT), while the old Grenache Chante le Merle (singing blackbird) can really hit the heights: ***** in 2016, when it was an STGT wine, and in 2012. The occasional and expensive Châteauneuf La Folie seems to be slightly surplus to requirements in vintages such as 2015. There is a a good Côtes du Rhône red.

LVT 2005 r A domaine that was sold in 2014, the vineyards split between neighbours at Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Has been a northern sector domaine finding its way, some STGT tendencies. Converted to organic production in 2009. Jean-Paul Bouvachon was a restaurateur in Normandy, bought the domaine in 1988

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Really well-made, genuine wines from a talented vigneron. STGT wines crop up with some regularity - the **** 2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape white, the ***** 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape and **** 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds, for instance. The white is well worth a look, is traditional and well made, the 2016 a full **** wine. The Vieilles Vignes red was a ****(*) STGT wine in 2015, and a ***** wine in 2016.

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh Underestimated quality, STGT southern zone truth. More Syrah, less Grenache recently. The wines can be fully charged, coming as they do from the precocious south-eastern sector. An unusually high 10% Muscardin can serve to keep the lid on the power of the red wine, which was **** in 2015. The white gives good, traditional virtues, based on 60-70% Grenache blanc, and 10-20% Clairette. A special white, Etienne Pecoul, 100% Clairette blanche, was introduced in 2015, and two special reds, a 100% Grenache, also Etienne Pecoul, and a 100% Mourvèdre, Henri Perges, in 2015. They come from Les Galimardes, and the 2016 Etienne Pecoul red was a ****(*) STGT wine.

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh Excellent STGT source. Vat only raising, no oak. The ***** 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red can be a major wine from that excellent vintage. There is a good, long-lived Côtes du Rhône red as well, the 2016 an exceptional, well-structured STGT ****(*) wine. From 2015 there has been a white Côtes du Rhône, and from 2016 a little over 1,000 bottles of Châteauneuf-du-Pape white, composed of 80% Clairette rose dating from the 1950s; the 2016 was a ***(*) wine.

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh 5 hectares were sold to Jean Bonnet in 2006, with previous owner Olivier Hillaire setting himself up on his own under the name Domaine Olivier Hillaire. The red notes refer to wines tasted pre-sale. It is now owned by the widow of Philippe Kessler of Château Calissanne near Aix-en-Provence, with a total of 10.5 hectares. The 2016 white Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Clef de St Thomas was a w.o.w., drink young **** wine, most elegant, with mild oaking. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Clef de St Thomas red shows some cellar exertion when young

LVT 2016 r 2017 wh 2011 rosé  The whites have become elegant since the 2000s, with the Grenache blanc-based Châteauneuf-du-Pape white regularly no less than ***(*), while the reds have been a bit uneven. There was improvement in 2015 on the Châteauneuf-du-Pape red - a **** wine - with the 2016 a ***(*) wine. Whole bunch vinification here. There is a Prestige red wine called Réserve de la Comtesse, and the 2016 was a sturdy, traditional **** wine

LVT  2017 wh  2016 r  One of the famous 19th century names, in the southern area. Only a little is bottled these days, although the younger generation of Monsieur Bouche's daughter may change that.  The red is regular wine; I prefer the white, a traditional table wine, which was ***(*) in 2016 and 2017.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2011 rosé Very good domaine, highly reliable, with admirable quality over the decades I have known it. It is biodynamic. There is sleek fruit, very consistent quality, year in, year out. The special red Boisrenard is overtly oaked, so allow plenty of time; the 2015 was a ****(*) wine. Good Rasteau reds.

LVT 2015  r  Have recently started to bottle more of their Châteauneuf-du-Pape and their two Côtes du Rhône reds, one 100% Grenache called Bastien, the other Syrah, called Vincent - Bastien was ***(*), as was Vincent in 2015. The soils are worked.

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh Polished, robust wines, improving over time, with finesse coming through in both 2014 and 2015, when the Tradition red was a ****(*) genuine wine. In 2017 the Tradition red was also ****(*), a genuine reflection of the vintage and its lands. The white is nicely traditional, suited to the table. It is now biodynamic. Since 2009 there has been the joint venture with Peter Weygandt, their American importer, working with 3.4 hectares on the sandy soils of Courthézon, the title Chapelle St Théodoric, the wines extremely good and made in a laissez faire manner

LVT 2016 r A name of real note, and STGT qualities. Northern sector of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red was a really genuine ***** wine. The Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes red is a robust wine, good punch in it, can also be STGT.

LVT 2017 r 2015 wh 2015 rosé Also make a Gigondas, Vacqueyras and sound Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise. Converted to organic in 2011. The newly introduced red Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige wine called Trilogies was a ****(*) wine in 2015 - long, stylish and structured. The 2015 Gigondas Combe Sauvage was an appealing **** wine. The whites have always been good, and the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape white was an authentic, potentially charming ****(*) wine. The Vacqueyras impressed me in 2012 and 2014, as did the Côtes du Rhône Les Vignes de mon Père red - ***(*) - white - ***(*) - and rosé - **** - in 2015. 

LVT 2016 r First wine in 2000; Nathalie Fabre is sister of Daniel Chaussy of Mas de Boislauzon. Vineyard work is organic. It is finding its way, with definite progress noted with the 2016 vintage: a **** Tradition red, and a ****(*) Réserve de Félicien (old Grenache) red

LVT 2016 r  2011  wh  Gérard Bouyer created this northern sector domaine in 1984, and changed the old farm into a vineyard-only enterprise, growing it from 10 to 23 hectares. He retired in 2009, when his daughter Christelle took over with her husband Jérôme Grieco, who left his job as a motorway/autoroute patrolman at 34 to make wine – he is self-taught. Christelle, a cousin of Daniel Chaussy at Mas de Boislauzon, has accountancy training and has worked full-time at the domaine since 2011. Their first wine was 2009.  No weedkillers used. SO2 used just before bottling, 16 mg, for example.

I thoroughly recommend the wines, which hold good fruit, and are blessed by clarity, with none of the souped up sweetness so prevalent these days. No oak is involved here, and whole bunch fermentation is practised. The superior Les Anglaises (1935 Grenache) was a ***** wine in 2016, a ****(*) wine in 2015, while the regular red is always full of fruit. Good Villages and Vin de France reds that have character are also offered. An enlarged cellar from 2013 allowed raising to double in time from nine to 18 months. By 2015 bulk sales had been reduced to 20% in favour of bottling at the domaine. Delas buy some of the bulk wine.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Stylish, accomplished wines. The white has become extremely elegant. The reds can pack a punch. The classic red Châteauneuf-du-Pape is bottled within a year these days, and is a lighter, busier and earlier wine than the main cuvées; it was STGT in 2014, and ****(*) in 2016. The best of the three special Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds in 2016, by some way, was the ***** Vieilles Vignes. The Vacqueyras vineyard was increased by 1.5 hectares of 1950s-1960s Grenache to 5.83 hectares in 2014; from 2015 that new vineyard is now responsible for the Vacqueyras Cuvée Spéciale red. Both the 2014 and 2015 white Châteauneuf-du-Pape were ****(*) wines

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh  One of the steady quality domaines, year in, year out. Racy, sometimes exerted wines, but they come well recommended. The **** 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape white held true southern gras richness. I liked the balance and restraint on the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red, a **** wine. From the 2016 vintage, they have ceased to make a Prestige or special cuvée wine

LVT 2017 r 2011 rosé 2017 wh  Top class estate, deep wines, prices now rather high. The Châteauneuf reds beyond the Tradition are punchy, can be glamorous, can be powerful. The Côtes du Rhône reds are full of character, from classic garrigue soils and mature vines. In 2015 the family bought a Côtes du Rhône domaine at Jonquières, the Clos Saint Antonin; this produces Côtes du Rhône and Plan de Dieu Villages reds.

LVT 2017 r  A start-up in 2016, with organic vineyards. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red was a fulsome, perfumed ***(*) wine, the 2017 came with moments of savoury appeal, also ***(*)

LVT 2014 r 2014 wh  Good Flor de Ronce Prestige wine, some way ahead of the Tradition red. The 2014 white was very good, a wine of character. Organic wines here.

LVT 2016 r 2015 wh Polished fruit, good value Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition red. There used to be rather high octane special wines, but the gifted Florent has been toning those down, to excellent effect, as witness the ****** 2016 Châteauneuf Cornelia Constanza, an STGT wine. There is a sound, traditional white. A good, easy drinking merchant Côtes du Rhône red has appeared after the sale of their vineyard in the Gard, on the right bank. Florent (pictured) now makes the wine

LVT 2015 r 2016 wh Important changes, for the better, from 2010 at this good biodynamic domaine: Jean-Paul Daumen has gone for vineyard-specific wines, issuing two new name Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds, Les Trois Sources, named after three streams that feed the domaine, and Les Hauts-lieux. The former represents the four lowest terraces of his north facing hill, the latter the three highest terraces. There is greater definition and clearer texture in both wines than his previous reds, which age very well, and carry interest and character. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservé is made in no more than 3,000 bottles, not every year, and is mainly sold to the USA. It has become more refined, and less TOO MUCH in recent vintages - 2015, for example. I found over-extraction in the past, especially around the late 1990s, and J-P admits to this. Vineyards, both for Châteauneuf and the excellent Clavin Côtes du Rhône red and white, are mature, with lots of old Grenache. There is also a small merchant wine range under the title Jean-Paul Daumen, that includes Lirac red and Gigondas red.

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh The Vieilles Vignes is one of the great Châteauneuf-du-Papes. It is wisely omitted in tricky vintages such as 2014 - which benefits the classic red. A long-standing biodynamic and organic domaine. New cooling system from 2009 a help, too. The white wine is improving, has a very consistent, en finesse style. The 2015 white was a marvellous, poised ****(*) wine - great to achieve elegance in that warm to hot vintage, while the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red was ****(*) STGT wine, and the Vieilles Vignes red a lovely finesse ***** wine in 2015, and a ****** wholesome beauty in 2016.

LVT 2015 r 2016 wh A leading estate that I have no doubt will be well woken up by the Guigal family, who acquired it from the Groupama company just before the 2017 harvest. Modern approach, successfully done. For long time Nalys was a white wine leader - back in the 1970s, for instance. The red cuvées are starting to multiply, with lots of 1,600 to 4,000 bottles which are highly priced and rather confusing for the domaine's ID in the mind of the average consumer. 75% is bottled, 25% is sold in bulk. The 2015 Eicelnci white was an STGT ****(*) wine.

LVT 2017 r  The Prestige red Noble Révélation is a consistent quality wine, **** in 2012, 2016 and 2017. This is a northern sector vineyard

LVT 2017 r 2014 wh Gentle progress, motivated young owner. The Tradition red is better balanced and more enjoyable than the rather overdone special red, Coralie et Floriane Le Soleil de nos Vignes

LVT 2010 r Traditional wines

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2015 rosé Same ownership as Domaine du Grand Tinel, solid quality. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape white, 60% Grenache blanc, is a full, traditional table wine, **** in 2016 and 2017. Very good organic Côtes du Rhône rosé in 2015. A sound Vacqueyras, 80% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre (1950s-1970s), was introduced from a little over 2 hectares in 2015.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Good, traditional, northern sector, organic domaine. Son Cyril is moving towards crisper fruit. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages red was a cousin of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape red, a **** wine

LVT 2017 r Biodynamic. Philippe de Blicquy, who revitalised this ordinary domaine, and converted it to organic practices, moved on to running a wine merchant and olive oil business in 2005. The son of Patrick Wallut, de Blicquy's partner in the domaine, now runs the estate - Stan Wallut. The Châteauneuf is not always truly stable, in the mould of some Nature Child wines, and the 2012 was bottled in July 2013, 10 months sooner than in the past. A good new Côtes du Rhône red, La Griffe, was introduced in 2009; it is authentic and full, the 2016 a **** wine.

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh The Cellier family part of the Domaine Saint-Benoit. Marc Cellier retired in August 2007, and his three sons took it over and are doing their own thing. They are very motivated. The reds are unforced in style, with juice and fruit to the fore. The eldest son, Ludovic, has been at the domaine since 1999. There are now two whites, the 100% Roussanne Insolente (**** in 2015) and a recent Alchimie: both were good in 2014.

LVT 2010 r Laure Mousset is part of the Château des Fines Roches family. A 100% Grenache wine.

LVT 2016 r 2015 wh  A domaine with a sizeable 20 hectares of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the north-west sector, near Cabrières. Some years are OK to good, others less so, which is frustrating. It is now organic. The 2016 Chanssaud d'Antan special red (old Grenache 90%) was a ***(*) wine in 2016 and a **** wine in 2015

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Quality is rising. The classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape red, called Calice St Pierre, is down the line, a touch wild, but it is cheap: the 2016, called Le Calice de Saint-Pierre, was an STGT ****(*) wine, price €18. There is a good, thorough white, 70% Grenache blanc, that was **** in 2014 and 2017. The Côtes du Rhône red is a genuine wine, ***(*) in 2016

LVT  2012 r  Laurent is an ex-Co-operateur from the Cellier des Princes. The 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red is commendably manly.

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh Note the improving white, which was a nicely muscular **** wine in 2015. Sandy soils, all Grenache, fleshy style Châteauneuf red, which was good and thoroughly genuine, a ****(*) wine, in 2016

LVT 2016 r 2015 wh Despite the opposition of local groups, this Château, owned by the Roux family, fell into outside hands in January 2007. Shock, horror! Actually, the outside hands are very well qualified – the Cazes family of Bordeaux, owners of Ch Lynch-Bages and Les Ormes de Pez. Sénéchaux has been delivering better wines since around 2000 – safe and fleshy Grenache at their heart, and the winemaking has been tidier. The location is a good one, and this domaine now regularly provides elegantly fruited wines, with soft tannins. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape white is enjoyable - it was an STGT **** wine in 2014, and a w.o.w. **** wine in 2015.

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh Highly traditional domaine with a prominent USA following. There are nine plots across five lieux-dits, total area four hectares. The soils are worked until July. Jean-Claude likes to vinify the varieties together. Wines of a good stamp of character, whole bunch fermentation with all red and white varieties allowed present in the co-fermented blend. The red is consistently a **** wine or, as with 2012 and 2016, ****(*), the 2016 STGT. A white was first made in 2015, vinified by Benjamin Tourbillon of Domaine Tourbillon. If you seek The Real Thing, then here it is.

LVT 2015 r  2015 wh Organic domaine, recent start up. This is the domaine that has arisen from the old Domaine du Vieux Calcernier – an estate mentioned in the Châteauneuf archives of the nineteenth century, with vineyards close to the village, mainly in the southern zone. One brother, Christophe de Courten, handles this estate, the other, William, is also going along his own path now. There are 4,000 bottles of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition red, which was a ***(*) wine in 2015. And 1,500 bottles of the Cuvée Spéciale, also ***(*) in 2015. Both wines are raised in new oak casks, and bottled within one year of the harvest.

LVT 2016 r 2006 wh  An underestimated domaine with good natural style to the wines, no excess. The 2016 Tradition red was a genuine, charming **** wine, the 2016 Vieilles Vignes red a stylish ****(*) wine

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Traditional qualities, with a new oenologue since 2006, bringing changes in the raising of the wines. The Alexis Establet Prestige level red is an unsung hero: **** in 2015, and ****(*) in 2016, while the occasional red Hérès was a ****(*) wine, holding the essence of the south, in 2015. The white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a good, traditional southern white for la table, the 2016 a **** STGT wine (the 2011 and 2013 were also STGT). Good quality Côtes du Rhône red and white also, the **** 2016 red with connections to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

LVT 2017 wh 2016 r A mix of finely fruited and some big, obvious wines as well - the latter selling for very high prices. Both the 2016 Cuvée Réservée and the 2016 Cuvée da Capo reds were ****(*) wines when tasted pre-bottling. The white Châteauneuf Cuvée Réservée  is on a hot streak recently - 2014 and 2015 were both extremely good at *****, the former STGT - and the 2017 came in at ****(*) - all much improved over previous vintages, while a new white, the A Tempo, is also a good addition, the 2016 a **** wine, the 2017 a ****(*) wine of good character. The merchant wines Sélection Laurence Féraud are a useful collection, while Laurence also has a joint-venture with André Brunel of Les Cailloux - also good.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Modern style wines, fresh whites that are suited to aperitif, early drinking. Both the 2014 and 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition reds captured the fruit essence of those vintages, standing at **** in each case. The Elisabeth Chambellan old vines red is tuneful and accomplished, good value, too; the 2015 was a ***(*) wine, the 2016 ****. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône red was a supreme w.o.w. wine, ***(*)

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh 2012 Muscat  Modernist, get on and go estate, run by one of the High Profile figures of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape white was a gourmand, table-friendly **** in 2016, as was the red, a sleek and coherent wine. The Ventoux red is authentic, from the commune of Caromb, near Beaumes-de-Venise.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Top end Châteauneuf-du-Pape, longstanding quality. The whites are rich - the Châteauneuf La Crau 2015 blanc being a true southern imprint ****(*) wine, for example, the 2016 a ***** wine. The vin de pays Le Pigeoulet red gives great drinking, and, since 2011, there has been a full red Ventoux, Mégaphone, which was a **** winner in 2016. The red Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau requires a long time to come round in a big vintage such as 2016, when it was a ****(*). The 2017 was also a ****(*) wine, perhaps indicating a revival - since it hasn't been running to its most impressive levels in recent years, however, since it used to be one of the top three or four wines here.

The Bruniers also own Domaine La Roquète at Châteauneuf, Domaine Les Pallières at Gigondas (with Kermit Lynch) and have interests in Lebanon, at the Massaya vineyard. Since the 2010 vintage, La Roquète has been dropped as a named source of red wine, its 25.5 hectares of fruit now going into the second estate wine, Télégramme, and a new Vieux Télégraphe cuvée, Piedlong et Pignan from sandy soils, which is most refined, the 2017 a pure ***** wine. One white, Clos La Roquète blanc, continues to be made from a sandy 3 hectare plot, and this was an STGT wine in both 2016 and 2017.

LVT 2015 wh 2015 r Longer raising than Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, which is in the same stable, and one-sixth of the latter's production. Good, consistent quality, with the 30% non-Grenache vines adding interest. The 2015 Duclaux red was a **** wine, a potentially handsome bottle

LVT 2016 wh 2016 r 33% bottled, rest sold in bulk to mainly Rhône merchants. Very clear wines, with weight attached. Son Vincent has been waking up the quality, and now works with his younger brother François. He looks after the vineyards and the vinification. In 2012 he married Emilie Boisson, of Domaine du Père Caboche. His brother François (33 in Oct 2016) covers commerce, with some attention on matters in the cellar as well. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard area was given an enormous boost in 2009 when 16 hectares were added, much of it on the N-W site of Farguerol, from the boys’ aunt Geneviève Avril, wine which before had been sold in bulk. That took the overall surface to 36.5 hectares.

The 2015 and 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds were on form - the Tradition **** in both vintages, l'eperdu a suavely rich **** in 2015, and a thick, but potentially impressive ****(*) in 2016 also, and the Lucile Avril a concentrated, grounded ****(*) wine in 2015. The white Côtes du Rhône is a rare example of a largely Grenache gris wine. There are 60 hectares of Plan de Dieu, 7 hectares of Ventoux also.

LVT 2017 r  2017 wh  Organic-biodynamic domaine established in the 1960s. Reds have more lucid fruit than in the past, and character. Plenty to interest the mind and the palate - 70% Bourboulenc white Lirac, or 100% well-controlled Syrah Lirac L'Astrolabe. The Laudun Chapelle de Mayran red 2015 was a healthy **** wine, now bottled in the Vaucluse following Bernard's move across the river. This is a good address. Bernard split with his brother Frédéric, who left to start his own biodynamic consultancy, in 2012. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Catarine blanc is 100% mature Clairette blanche, a wine with appealing purity in 2016, a **** wine.

LVT  2011 r  Recent start-up

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh 2011 rosé Good name in the east of the appellation, both reds and whites. The red Etienne Gonnet, from old vines, has always been a truly stylish wine. Guillaume Gonnet has been raising the standard recently, with drive and commitment, and the wines are showing worthy Châteauneuf-du-Pape finesse these days, including with his Guillaume Gonnet Vigneron range. The 2015 Châteauneuf Elegance de Jeanne red was a **** STGT wine, the 2016 a ***** wine. There is also an interesting range of small lot merchant wines under the Gonnet Rhône Sélection title, such as the Ventoux.

LVT 2016 r 2010 wh After a spell of wines that could be be wild, outlandish, compelling from the wrong side of the tracks, some very sweet, there is a more enveloped approach with the 2016 Châteauneuf reds, the classic and the old Grenache Saint-Georges **** and ****(*) wines respectively, nourished by good fruit. The domaine is now organic.

LVT 2017 wh  2017 r  A domaine formed by the young generation in 2014. The father of Marie is Marcel Georges, a well-known figure at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, who used to rent the vineyards for the Château de l’Hers in the west of the appellation. There were also 13 hectares owned, eight of which were sold to a gentleman involved in the financial world, also owner of Domaine de la Genestière at Tavel. The last 5.3 hectares were acquired by Marcel’s daughter and son-in-law, Benoît Lombrière, who used to work in the Ministerial Cabinet under President Sarkozy.   

The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape white [its first vintage] was a refined **** wine with Grenache blanc gras and Roussanne elegance. The style on the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Marie red is one of elegance, aided by low intervention winemaking: both the 2015 and 2016 were ***(*) wines. Pierre-Jean Villa of Saint-Joseph and Condrieu gives advice.

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh Polished reds, supple fruit, can be powerful. The 100% old vine Grenache Les Gallimardes was a complex, long ***** wine in 2015, the Tradition red was a nourishing ****(*) wine in 2017, and a cracking ***** wine in 2016, as was the Les Grenaches de Pierre red, while the 2015 white was ****, a solid wine for la table, as it usually is. There is sometimes a Gallimardes white based on 1970s vines, and the 2016 was a delicious **** wine, for la table

LVT 2016 r  2016 wh  The Giulianis left the Cave Cellier des Princes of Courthézon after the 2005 vintage. Bernard is the third generation to work vineyards, and the first to vinify. A new cellar was built in 2007. Raising of the Châteauneuf has moved from steel to barrels, with half sold in bottle. The style is for easy going wines. The occasional superior Châteauneuf red called Les Galets Jeanne is formed around 1960s Syrah, and in 2016 was an enjoyable **** wine. The Giulianis' son Florian joined the domaine in 2014, aged 22 years. After a bts in Avignon, he worked for a year on an estate in New South Wales, Australia.

LVT 2017 r 2.5 hectare domaine owned by Isabel Ferrando-Giraud, the owner of Domaine Saint-Préfert. The first wine was made in 2004. Pure Grenache, always smoothly fruited, modern in style.

LVT 2016 r  2011  wh  The Tradition red wine strikes me as robbed by the increasing number of Prestige wines, the best of which is indeed the Cuvée Prestige. Upward quality trend here; the Tradition red 2016 was a **** wine, pre-bottling, with a high degree.

LVT 2016 r Small domaine, working at improving. Whole bunch fermentation, oak influences.

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh The Masquin family have a well-known brush (as in broom) factory at Courthézon. Julien's grandfather Paul Masquin was one of the founders of the Cellier des Princes Co-operative at Courthézon. Julien took over 10 of the family's 25 hectares in 1998, and the remaining 15 hectares in 2000. He has been in no hurry to produce wine from them, allowing the soils to rest and tidying up the vineyard over several years. He left the Co-operative in 2008, the first vintage came in 2009. He works with chef de culture Sébastien Rigault. Very good promise, both red and white, both Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône, with the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Humeur red a nicely rugged **** wine. The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Monplaisir white, 70% Grenache blanc, 30% Bourboulenc, so traditionally based, was a ****(*) wine.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Modern Châteauneuf-du-Pape in style. The domaine now works under the Terra Vitis – officially reasoned agriculture – banner. These are brightly fruited red wines that show well in free running years such as 2014 and 2011; the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red was a fun-filled **** w.o.w. wine, with delightful fruit for early drinking, while the 2017 was also ****, being cool and carrying a genuine garrigue inflexion. The limited edition Châteauneuf-du-Pape Maxence red 2017 was a *****, authentic wine. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape white is based on Grenache blanc on sandy soils, and drinks well, the 2017 an expressive **** wine. There are also good, sound Ventoux reds and an easy drinking, early bottled Cairanne.

LVT  2017 r  2017 wh  Recent start-up. Fair: supple style, power a question from its sandy soils. Their oenologue, Philippe Cambie, is mentioned on the back label. Note the white here: the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape white, 70% Grenache blanc, was **** wine - properly southern, with character, as was the **** 2017, a wine with richness and garrigue features. I feel the Châteauneuf-du-Pape red could be raised for longer [it is bottled in July after the harvest]. The Côtes du Rhône white is 100% Clairette blanche.

LVT 2017 wh 2016 r Gérard Jacumin's new domaine, since 2007. Organic wines, in a clear, direct style. The 2016 white Châteauneuf-du-Pape (always genuine, contains 25% Picpoul blanc), was an interesting **** wine, some complexity given by the use of all six of the white varieties permitted

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh Racy fruit, up front wines from now well established young grower, though the 2012 showed more sucrosity. Since 2012, there has been a move towards greater finesse in the vinification, a move I applaud. This is now one of the best names at Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Julien's father Christian started in 1972, and sold to Guigal, Barton & Guestier, and only produced 600-700 bottles. “Papa loved the vineyard, was a lover of wine and the vineyards, but was allergic to business,” Julien Barrot.

A new vinification cellar started with the 2015 vintage, built on a plot called Les Mascarrons, the remaining vines outside the back door. There are now two Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds, the Signature and the 4,000 bottle Pure, and from 2016 a Châteauneuf-du-Pape white also called Pure, 100% Clairette blanche, which Julien planted in 2003. He also makes a good, spicy and authentic red Vin de France from noble vineyards at Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, which is called Liberty, the 2015 the first vintage and a **** wine, as was the 2016.

LVT (Last Vintage Tasted) 2017 r 2016 wh Has been improving. Wines are genuine, rather hearty

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh First vintage in bottle was 2009. 8 hectare property, with the wine sold in the past as Domaine de la Cabane. Sébastien is the fifth generation, and created the Consonnière name. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red was a **** wine, one with a gentle style

LVT 2009 r Pierre Folliet is a professor of tasting, bought the domaine in 1997, has a wine store in Lyon: 130 rue Vauban, 69006 Lyon, +33(0)9 51 99 37 87 magasin@ladestinee.com Unusual, long raised wines with their own character, well worth a look

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Now organic; younger generation on board. I welcome the raising of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape red changing from only old large barrel to concrete vat with large barrel; the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red was a **** with thick, rolling content, while the Châteauneuf-du-Pape white, based on Roussanne with Grenache blanc, has made progress to being a ***(*) wine in both 2016 and 2017

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh A small domaine with reliable quality red wines. The very mainly Grenache 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Baptaurels was a well crafted, gourmand ****(*) wine. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape white (80% Roussanne) was much improved in 2015, a **** wine, after a ***(*) 2014. There is a rather good and traditional Côtes du Rhône white.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2011 rosé  Traditional style, genuine wines, can be STGT, that often need leaving four to five years to settle down; they can amply repay the patience. Good, traditional white, suited to la table - both 2015 and 2016 were **** wines. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes red was a real garrigue-fest, a **** STGT wine, while the ***** 2016 and the **** 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes red were also both STGT wines

LVT  2013  r  2013 wh  Traditional style, with whole bunch fermentations

LVT 2010 r 2014 wh Owned by the Brunier bothers of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. This is a younger vineyard, and finesse is favoured over power. Sandy soils contribute to that. There have been big changes since the 2010 vintage. That was the last one for red wine here, made and sold under the Domaine La Roquète name. Since then - from 2011 onwards - the red vine fruit from its 25.5 hectares has gone into Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Télégramme, that estate's second wine, and a new wine, Frédéric & Daniel Brunier lieux-dits Piedlong et Pignan, which is 90% from the Pialons vineyard, 10% from Pignan next to it. The remaining three hectares of white vines continue to provide a wine called Clos La Roquète blanc, which is light and can be stylish. 

LVT 2016 r 2015 wh Fleshy style reds, a good start. The Cuvée du Lion special Châteauneuf red is always good; the 2015 was an authentic wine, ****(*) quality. 2015 saw a third Prestige red wine added, called Le Lien, which was a **** wine. The white is traditional and full in style, suited to la table; the 2015 was ****. Some of the 2016 reds were a little off beam when tasted pre-bottling in October, 2017

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh A family who left the Courthézon Cellier des Princes Co-operative in 2004. Father Maurice works the vineyards, and the son Patrick, late-30s, does the vinification. From 2007 they have become involved with the use of ex-Bordeaux casks and more oaking. The preferred 2016 of the three tasted (the three special reds) was the full-bodied Aeternalis, a **** wine.

LVT 2009 r Organic. Improvement lately.

LVT 2015 r 2015 wh The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Craus Centenaires red, made in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2015 is based on 1896 Grenache; the 2015 was a **** wine. There is an easy to drink white, the aperitif on the agenda.

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh This is now a biodynamic domaine, and the 2016 red was a really delightful ****(*) STGT wine

LVT 2012 r 2017 wh The Torts left the Cellier des Princes Co-opérative in Courthézon in late 2005. Jean-Marc is the fourth generation of his family to cultivate vineyards at Bédarrides. His first vinification was iin 2006. A domaine finding its way. Half the Châteauneuf is sold in bottle, half in bulk.

LVT 2016 r 2010 wh More hands on deck to help Serge Chastan now, with the arrival of his son and daughter - a good augur for the future. Northern sector wines. Organic since 2007. The special 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape XIII cépages red was a rugged, but interesting **** wine, while the 2015 was a Wild Child ***** wine

LVT 2016 r  STGT qualities here. Régis Barrot retired in 2013, and now lives in the Philippines with his wife Norma, near Davau, on the sea, His sister François and her husband André  now run the domaine, of which two hectares were sold in 2014, leaving nine hectares of Châteauneuf now, with one hectare of vin de pays at Courthézon. The 2014 was all sold in bulk to merchants. The style remains hearty, traditional, with whole bunch fermentation. The 2015 and 2016 are both **** wines. There are six bottlings per vintage.

LVT 2011 r 2011 wh STGT qualities here on the reds. Long-lived, interesting whites, also. In 2012 2.5 hectares were sold to Yves Gras of Domaine Santa Duc at Gigondas, and other hectares were rented out to Bernard Duseigneur at Lirac, of Domaine Duseigneur. 

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Very traditional, inc whole bunch fermentations. Can hit the mark; the special Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hommage à Henry Tacussel red, made from 1904 and older Grenache, was a very good, true, old school ***** wine in 2016, and ****(*) in 2015. The 2017 white was a savoury, STGT ****(*) wine, with real local virtues on board

LVT 2017 r 2008 wh  One of the sound domaines. Olivier Hillaire used to work his family vineyard of Domaine des Relagnes. This was sold in 2006, after which he set up on his own. He now has two Prestige wines, the Petits Pieds d'Armand, 100% early 1900s Grenache from La Crau Ouest, and Les Terrasses, from Les Escondudes near Bédarrides. Both are new oak cask raised.

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh Wines have been light; 2011 was more full, if reflective of Cellar Effort, while the 2012 was open, the 2015 red more grounded, as befitted that vintage, the 2016 a **** wine. The 2015 white was an expressive, elegant ****(*) wine, one of the best whites of that year. There is a new wine called Le Pressoir, made from 40% Mourvèdre, with 60% Grenache, just 1,600 to 1,800 bottles; the 2015 was a juicy and stylish ****(*) wine.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh A new cellar in 2006 gave quality a push upwards. The wines are crisp, modern. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Domaine Paul Autard 2015 red was a wholesome **** wine, the 2016 a big, sleek ****(*) wine. Oaking is apparent [and can be intrusive in my view, unless you wait many years] in the Prestige wines, including the 100% new oak white. The Prestige Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2015 La Côte Ronde red was a stylish and purely fruited ****(*) wine, while the 2016 Juline was also a ****(*) wine when tasted pre-bottling. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape white is 100% new oak

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh STGT qualities here, biodynamic, and has been organic for decades. Grenache in concrete vat - as it should be. The 2016 red was a ***** wine, as was the 2010. The 2017red was a sparky, full ***** wine, one of the best of the vintage

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh 2011 rosé  There is a very fruity Tradition red wine, suave and appealing, always good value. There are pretty deep Prestige wines, when they are made; they are expensive and unctuous. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape white is jaunty, stylish, the 2016 a **** w.o.w. wine. From 2011 a good Lirac red has been made from mature vines at Roquemaure

LVT 2015 r 2015 wh  Robust wines historically, although the 2015 red was a **** wine with a ping of clarity and fine detail - the influence of daughter Pauline

LVT 2017 r Nice, natural wine from a small, recent estate. Well worth buying. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red was a most commendable ***** STGT wine, good VALUE, the 2017 also STGT, an appealing, provocative **** wine

LVT 2016 r 2017 wh Stéphane Usseglio seeks finesse in his reds, so has gone back to the simplicity of concrete, and dropped large old barrels. The domaine is now organic and biodynamic, and is moving along extremely well under his skilled hand. The Tradition red was a ****(*) STGT wine in 2016. There was an excellent Cuvée Impériale in 2013, and a fabulous one in 2016, a ****** beauty. Improved white wine as well here.

LVT 2017 r 2017  wh  Sad back story, but hope continues in life. Luc Perrin took over from his father Roger in the 1990s, and raised standards. He succumbed to cancer in 2011. His sister Véronique Rolin and her son Xavier continue and are very motivated. Véronique has her own oenologue consultancy in the Northern Rhône. The classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape red is very genuine, as is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape white (the 2016 a generous, traditional **** wine). The special wines, Les Galets de la Berthaude red and Réserve des Vieilles Vignes red were ****(*) and **** wines respectively in 2016, though I was less comfortable with them in 2017. There is a fair, easy going Côtes du Rhône red called Fruité, and a super Vieilles Vignes red which has recently been a Villages wine, the 2016 a splendid, Burgundian finesse ****(*) wine.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Full, often punchy wines, which need time to fuse. The emphasis is on Grenache. The 2015 Châteauneuf Les Olivets red was a ****(*) wine, its cousins the Réserve and the Prestige 2015 reds both **** wines. My two preferred 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds, pre-bottling, were the ****(*) Le Secret des Sabon and the Prestige, the latter a ***** wine of very faithful Châteauneuf-du-Pape virtues in 2017. The white Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance, led by Roussanne and Grenache blanc, is a solid performer, the 2016 and 2017 both ****

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Sleek, aromatic, modern wines. Slight move towards more finesse and less opulence since around 2010, a good thing, as witnessed by good 2014s; the Auguste Favier remains the obviously coated style of wine. The are now organic practices in the vineyard. The whites, based on old Clairette blanche and rose, are accomplished and stylish,

LVT 2016 r 2008 wh Unpretentious wines from a 7 hectare estate. Slight improvement, the 2015 red a **** full and convincing wine, the 2016 red a ****(*) STGT wine.

LVT 2016 r 1.86 hectares on two sites in the north of the appellation, for now the wine vinified at Maison Brotte in the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape

LVT 2011 r 2011 wh Part of the Fines Roches, Mousset family empire - takes in Domaine des Quatre Vents, Mas Grange Blanche (good red) and La Font du Roi also. Modern, fruit-forward wines

LVT 2016 r Traditional, wholesome wines, with definite STGT qualities. A new Prestige wine since 2012 - Les Raisins Bleus made from the wooded vineyards near Rayas. Son Yannick joined the domaine in 2012, born in 1986. Hand-made, genuine feel here.

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh 2016 rosé From the Beaucastel stable, with a growing proportion of own vineyards, and long-term partnerships where the Perrin family help to supervise and execute the vineyard work. Extremely reliable quality, with the cheaply priced La Vieille Ferme range recovering from a dip (feel of very mass produced wine) in 2015; those wines are soft and easy. The organic Vin de France L'Oustalet red is also worth a mention: the 2016 was an impressive ***(*) wine, with neat richness and the ability to impress. The title of the range changed to Famille Perrin, instead of Perrin & Fils, in 2009.

The Vacqueyras Les Christins red has been an encouraging **** STGT wine in both 2015 and 2016, although I find the recent Cairanne reds not as locally-inspired these days, as they follow a rather minimalist style. The Vinsobres reds are very good, while the Gigondas Clos des Tourelles is a wine of great stature from old vines.

LVT 2011 r This merchant joint-venture started in 2000 between Laurence Féraud of Domaine du Pegäu and André Brunel of Les Cailloux. As one would expect, good wines, notably the Rasteau.

LVT 2010 r A small plot now owned by a Gigondas family who are sound vignerons. Big wine.

LVT 2017  r  Guillaume is the current generation of the Gonnet family of Domaine Font de Michelle. He has three small lot organic red Châteauneuf-du-Papes from vineyards between Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Bédarrides in the east/south-east. These are exciting wines; they are all based on old vines, and the Bel Ami and Hommage à Maryline, the latter sadly in respect of his wonderful late mother, were both **** wines in 2015, the Maryline a ***** wine in 2016. The Bel Ami and La Muse were both ****(*) wines in 2017.

LVT  2007  r  The one-off wonder of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, who sadly died in the spring of 2016. I find the wines heady in the big vintages, and prefer the quieter years, and the more simple cuvées. There is an absence of tasting notes since Henri forbade me access to his cellars following what I wrote on his views about Joan of Arc and Napoléon Bonaparte. The spirit of the Provençal grudge was alive and well!

LVT (Last Vintage Tasted) 2017 r 2016 wh 2011 rosé  The Tradition Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine is unpretentious, classic Châteauneuf, no frills, good. The old vines Grenache Châteauneuf-du-Pape Secrets de Pignan was a ***** STGT wine in 2016 from its N-E sector, sandy soils. Good Côtes du Rhône Villages red. Has become an extremely reliable estate, the standard high across the board. There are now organic practices for the  Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards. I would highlight the excellent Côtes du Rhône white in 2016, a **** w.o.w. wine. There is also a merchant range, the 2016 Ventoux red a highly expressive, tasty **** w.o.w. wine. Go on, Eric!

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh Neil Joyce is also owner of Domaine Dalméran at Saint-Etienne du Grès. This is a well-sited house in the west of the appellation, one that has been lavishly restored after years of being run down. Modern style, the wines organic now. Promising opening vintages, notably for the Tradition red, which varies between **** (2014) and ***(*) (2015); the other reds risk being overdone, at high prices, as well. Very good red Vin de Pays 2011, and a highly enjoyable w.o.w. **** Côtes du Rhône red in 2016.

LVT 2017 r 2015 wh  Recent venture based on a hill north of Vinsobres that, beyond Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers Gigondas (2017 stimulating ****), Vacqueyras red (the 2015 a good **** wine) and sound Côtes du Rhône as well - the emphasis is on ripe Grenache from as old vines as possible. The two La Ferme du Mont Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds, Capelan [racy, modern] and Vendange [rich] were **** wines in 2016, pre-bottling. There is promise here.

LVT 2017 r a joint-venture between English wine agent Charles Blagden and Domaine Font de Michelle. The wine was made at Cros de la Mure in the Massif d`Uchaux before 2010. The wines are on the up, sun-filled, authentic, genuine. The 2016 was a bright ****(*) STGT wine, well worth seeking out, the 2017 a **** wine of character

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh 2011 rosé  Quality on the upgrade here at this 250-member Co-operative in the north-east corner of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The best of the five 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds tasted was the newly introduced Prestige des Princes Réserve red, a **** wine. Decent Valréas Domaine de la Côte red - ***(*) in 2014 - but basic wines for hypermarkets are ???

LVT 2018 r 2017 wh 2012 rosé Good quality, both Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône. It is now a certified organic domaine. The Châteauneuf Les Quartz red is always a good wine - ****(*) in 2016 and 2017. The 2016 Châteauneuf Les Safres white was a delicious ****(*) STGT wine. From a set of very good Côtes du Rhônes, the **** Nature 2014 (no SO2) was an STGT wine, while the 2016 was a **** w.o.w. wine, each vintage coming with character.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh The family that used to own Château Husson for five generations. Given up for reasons of succession and inheritance, the Grangets started in 2008 with 8 hectares in the east and north-east of the appellation. The wines are now organic

LVT 2013 r A 4-hectare plot within the Château de la Font du Loup, a pretty setting with sand in the soil. 100% old Grenache. All three of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 were **** wines, the 2014 and 2016 both STGT

LVT 2017 r  Traditionally styled Châteauneuf-du-Pape red from what was part of the Clos du Mont-Olivet. The Côtes du Rhône range from near Nyons, where they have their cellar, is organic, along with olive oil production as well.

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh What joy! Just one wine, no special nonsense Cuvées. This has for many years been a slow developing wine, authentic, a very good address. Daughter Claire's first vintage was 2008 - she does the vinifications. I detect a smoothing out and polishing up, with a loss of impact, in the 2013 red. The 2016 white was a stylish **** wine that will develop gradually, the 2016 red a grounded, expressive ****(*) wine.

LVT 2016 wh 2016 r  Extremely consistent high quality, with a leaning towards finesse. Well worth trying in order to appreciate the true qualities of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and prices are very reasonable, too. The white is also good, nicely rich, both the 2012 and the 2016 ****(*) STGT wines. Good Côtes du Rhône reds - Est-Ouest, Sommelongue.

LVT 2017 r 2015 wh 2017 rosé  Large scale merchant, some recent improvement on the Châteauneuf-du-Pape; the 2016 Domaine St Patrice Vieilles Vignes red being an authentic **** wine, for example, and La Cour des Papes running at ***(*) to ****. They have an involvement with the Cave de Cairanne, Camille Cayran, so are producing steady Cairanne red and white (the white New Wave) now. There is an easy drinking Ventoux red called Chapelle Sainte Croix, and a similar Gigondas red called La Combe des Marchands, which was a spicy **** wine in 2016.

LVT  2012 r 2011 wh  Philippe Cambie's selection of wines, with sourcing in negociant or merchant form, crop purchases. Seeks pure fruit, gourmand style

LVT 2016 r 2012 wh Owned by Skalli, big business. Improvement in 2010-2015 vintages; wines becoming more reliable, including a ***(*) 2015 Caves Saint-Pierre Châteauneuf-du-Pape Préférence red.

LVT 2017 r 2016 rosé  Part of the Mega-big Boisset empire. Sound Côtes du Rhônes, also Gigondas and Vacqueyras, the 2015 Vacqueyras red a **** wine, and a reliable Tavel, the 2016 a ***(*) wine. The range includes northern Rhônes such as Crozes-Hermitage red, the 2015 a ***(*) wine. Accessible pricing.

LVT  2017 r 2015 wh  Part of the Skalli empire. Steady quality, with a new name, the Côtes du Rhône Pavillon Réserve Saint-Pierre red a **** wine in 2015. The 2016 Vacqueyras Pierrelongue red was a genuine wine of character in 2016, **** wine [a leap forward in quality]. From the northern Rhône, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Roquebrussane was a **** wine when tasted from casks

LVT  2012 r  Oenologue dimension here, new business, authentic Côtes du Rhône red, 60% Mourvèdre

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh Traditional wines, STGT and authentic qualities, a very good address. The 2015 Châteauneuf red was a high quality ***** STGT wine when tasted pre-bottling, while the largely Mourvèdre Tintot 2015 red was a polished, impressive ***** wine. More STGT evidence was the mini Châteauneuf-du-Pape red styled 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages, a ****(*) wine. The white Châteauneuf-du-Pape changes its blend quite often; one of the better ones was the sunny **** 2017 - 70% Roussanne, 30% Clairette.

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh  Cyril Mousset is part of the Château des Fines Roches family. The Côtes du Rhône red is from a 2.5 hectare vineyard on the sand near Courthézon, the 2016 a serenading **** wine, while the 2016 Châteauneuf La font de Bessounes red was a **** wine, with a stealthy crescendo along the palate

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh I first met Louis Geniest (1909-1990) in the mid-1970s, then the domaine disappeared off my radar, with much of the wine sold in bulk. His son Jean was a lawyer until his death in December 2008, and the domaine is now run with passion and commitment by his widow Monique, a lady in her eighties, with a cellar chief called Matthieu Faurie-Grépan present since 2011.

The remarkable thing about this estate is that their 30 hectares, average age 40 years, are all in one extended plot in the south-east of the appellation, on the sites called Crousroute and La Lionne, the latter close to a branch of the main Rhône River. That is a very large single vineyard, more usually found with the big Château properties. There are three red wines, and, since 2013, one white. About 30% is sold in bulk, down from 50% in 2011.

The style is for perfumed wines, with a gentle take that is found in the southern sector. They unfurl gradually, and after eight years or more, the bouquets become varied and interesting. Both the 2015 and 2016 have been very successful. The 2015 Mas Saint-Louis red (Tradition) was a ****(*) STGT wine, while La Grande Réserve red was ****(*) wine in 2015 and ***** wine in 2016. There are still old vintages available going back to the **** 2004. The Arpents de Contrebandiers red was a most harmonious wine, like a feather in the wind, in 2014. This is a style that will slowly regain favour as the promoters of BIG wines at Châteauneuf lose influence. The 2016 white was an  exciting, vivid ****(*) wine.

LVT 2017 r 2011 wh Serge Mouriesse is an oenologue at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, (eg Domaine Pontifical), wine vinified at Daniel Stehelin's cellar in Bédarrides. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tour d'Ambre red has risen to 2,800 bottles [though only 900 in the coulure vintage of 2017], first wine 2008. The style is for a Big Wine, sipping style; they are expensive.

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2017 rosé A southern Rhône merchant/négociant, which is also active in the northern Rhône. Recent owners of the renowned Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes estate at Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Quality efforts have been made since the late 1990s, with a special cuvée emphasis, involving older vine fruit and modern, oak-related winemaking. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Héritages red and the Clos de l'Oratoire red were both ****(*) wines in 2015, the former STGT, with lovely finesse, the latter quietly complex.

The main problem for the consumer is the proliferation of wine titles - at least five Côtes du Rhône reds, for example. The northern Rhône range is being gradually expanded, with a surge in 2015 due to the quality of the vintage; the 2015 Saint-Joseph Baligant was a ****(*) wine when tasted from cask at one year old, and the Crozes-Hermitage reds Héritages and Les Paillanches were both **** in 2017.

More attention is being paid to the northern Rhône recently, with improvement noted in the Côte-Rôtie La Serine, for instance, a fruit-filled **** wine in 2016

LVT  2015 r The merchant business was launched in 2010, when Pierre Vidal left the Cellier des Princes; these arrangements really got going from 2012. Pierre bought one hectare at Lirac in April 2014 from Luc Pelaquié. There are full-on style reds, a broad range, with sound Village reds from Plan de Dieu, Signargues and Saint-Maurice. There is also a very respectable, southern glow infused Châteauneuf-du-Pape red, ***(*) in 2015, while the long aged (three years), very small quantity Châteauneuf-du-Pape Parisii red, based on early 1960s Grenache, was a smooth **** wine in 2012

LVT 2012 r 2016 wh  Michel Chapoutier's latest foray in the Rhône – he bought the old Jean Marchand domaine in June 2008 – a total of 4 hectares – with Pierre-Henri Morel, who used to be part of the Chapoutier team in the Northern Rhône. Pierre-Henri now lives and works in Australia. The idea was to also have a selection of other southern Rhône wines from appellations that are not so well-known, such as the Côtes du Rhône Village Signargues in the right bank Gard département.

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh 2012 rosé  Young courtier-merchant business based in Châteauneuf-du-Pape since 1998. A family from Haute Savoie. Romain Duvernay's great-grandfather was a négociant to the CHR (Café, Hotel, Restaurant) trade in Haute Savoie, and both he and his father Roland are oenologues. First bottling under their own name with the 2009 vintage. Northern wines are sound, Southern wines can be reductive.

LVT 2016  r  2016 wh This is the split off of the old Domaine Mathieu, under brother Jérôme, who works with 7.5 hectares of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and two hectares of Côtes du Rhône. The old Grenache Châteauneuf-du-Pape Marquis Anselme Mathieu red was a **** in 2015 and in 2016.  The 2016 Côtes du Rhône red was a bouncy, w.o.w. **** wine

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh 2016 rosé Grand Veneur was the domaine wine until the 2014 vintage, when the title Vignobles Alain Jaume was adopted. The merchant side of the domaine is called Alain Jaume & Fils. Clos de Sixte is the Lirac estate, Château Mazane and a merchant wine called Grande Garrigue the two Vacqueyras reds - both have stepped up a gear, with the Mazane 2016 a ***** wine, the Grande Garrigue a **** wine, so well worth trying, having been sound but not very imaginative before. Some of the reds feel extracted, over cellar-influenced, so need time to regain a more comfortable poise. The Châteauneuf Vieilles Vignes red can be a storming good wine - ***** in 2016, for example, while the Châteauneuf Le Miocène red is consistent, noted for a good ****(*) showing in the tricky 2017 vintage. The whites are elegant, with the 100% Roussanne La Fontaine especially stylish, and the classic wine Le Miocène, based on 60% Clairette blanche, an STGT wine in both 2012 and 2015. There is a neat, stylish Côtes du Rhône white also, Blanc de Viognier.

In May 2015 the Domaine La Grangette Saint Joseph at Jonquières, 1 km from Violès, was bought from the Tramier family. Its 50 hectares on clay-limestone soils are mainly Côtes du Rhône and its wine will be used to expand the domaine Côtes du Rhône red quantity.

LVT  2014  r  The merchant arm of Jérôme Quiot, the owner of Domaine du Vieux Lazaret at Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Château du Trignon at Gigondas. Sound Vacqueyras red. The business is expanding.

LVT 2017 r  2017 wh  The vineyard of Pierre Barrot, the brother of Robert Barrot of Château des Fines Roches, who is the father of Amélie & Gaëlle. The red wine has been previously bottled for the family above all; his mother likes to drink it when it is 20 years old! The plots are spread right across the appellation, and the wine has a bright authority. The 2016 was a ****(*) wine when tasted pre-bottling [bottling is due in March 2019, release in March 2020]. It is at the higher end of the price scale. There is now a white as well, 80% Grenache blanc, 20% Clairette, the 2017 a sturdy ***(*) wine

LVT 2017 r 2016 wh Very steady quality; wines can take time to fuse and blossom. The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Père Pape red was a ***** wine, pre-bottling: thorough and persistent. The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Crau de Ma Mère white was w.o.w. **** wine, while the new Châteauneuf-du-Pape red Cuvée Alex (only 3,700 bottles) was a ***** wine in 2015, big and fresh.

LVT  2011 rosé  2014  r  Good, very reliable Côtes du Rhône reds from good soils at Château du Bois de la Garde near Bédarrides

LVT 2016 r 2016 wh 2016 Muscat VDN  Bright new kids on the block, handling Southern Rhônes with panache, merchant business. The aim is for a "modern and expressive style" in the merchant range. Xavier Vignon is an oenologue. Among his clients features the reviving Domaine de Coyeux at Beaumes-de-Venise. The Xavier Beaumes-de-Venise is good, action man red wine, as in the 2014.