2015 Vinsobres, Les Hauts de Julien, Famille Perrin, Rhône

The Perrins’ focus on the two key villages (Châteuneuf apart, of course) of Gigondas and Vinsobres, and the creation of a distinctly up-market Séléctions Parcellaires family of wines, represents a qualitative statement of intent. The statement, as usual, has been backed by solid investment and the nurturing of the very best vineyards available in the respective appellations. The 90-year-old, co-planted vines in Vinsobres, located at an altitude of 450 metres, have not let them down; the Syrah is pure and poised and the Grenache ripe and rounded. A spicy almost savoury finish recalls the northern Rhône, which is not entirely inappropriate. In its earlier manifestations, I wondered if they were trying too hard with the new oak. Thankfully this has now been held in check in the name of an extremely harmonious expression of terroir.