Cairanne Cuvée Maximilien, Domaine Les Grands Bois 2022

"...from one of Robert Parkers favourite southern Rhône producers. The Domaine Les Grands Bois Maximilien is from Cairanne and vineyards at the foot of mighty Mont Ventoux, notorious for comprising the toughest leg of the Tour de France. Richly flavoured with warm, spicy, ripe fruit, it boasts both the sweetness of Grenache and the dark plumminess of Syrah and is hugely enjoyable."

"Consistently one of my favourite estates in the Southern Rhône, Les Grands Bois produces Côtes-du-Rhône that consistently over-perform their appellation and modest prices."

"Not shy, not retiring with its 15% abv, this comes from Cairanne, one of the top appellations of the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages. The blend is typical of the south, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan pouring an intense crimson. Arresting floral aromas of violet and wild herbs leaping from the glass. There's something more mineral, graphite-like and serious lurking beneath the charming façade here too. What a wonderful all-encompassing wine on the palate: rich, thick and brimming with sweet and ripe black fruit, but steely armour at its core gives it terrific concentration and considerable length. The tannins are profound, the acidity matching, but as the spice and black fruit intensity drives along, that's what's tasted on the finish. Will cellar 10 years."