Domaine Georges Vernay : Blonde du Seigneur 2022

A co-fermented blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, the 2022 Cote Rotie Blonde du Seigneur evokes a complex, fresh and elegant bouquet of spices, smoke, violets, roses and dark wild berries mingled with a touch of herbs. Medium to full-bodied, tense and juicy, it's elegant, with a discreet tannic frame, good depth at the core and a tense, energetic mid-palate, leading to a long, saline and mouthwatering finish. Fermented with 10% whole bunches and crafted from vines planted in Coteaux de Semmons, Bassenon and from the young vines from Maison Rouge, this classic, well-crafted and stunning Côte-Rôtie was matured in barrels, of which 10% were new.

A fresh, mineral-driven Syrah, with beautiful purity and lift to the core of cherry and mulled blackberry. Tangy acidity keeps this mouthwatering from beginning to end, with a creamy bacon lard note adding richness alongside a sanguine detail. There's a subtle waft of smoked alder in the backdrop, but this is mostly about elegance, salty minerals and energy. Well-done. Syrah and Viognier. Drink now through 2040. 625 cases made, 12 cases imported.

A well-shaped, fleshy and linear Côte-Rôtie made of 95% syrah and 5% viognier, showing aromas of dark cherries, roasted meat and baking spices. It's medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. A dense core of purple fruit and plenty of spice on the palate. Focused with a bright, vivid and succulent character. Persistent finish. Drink or hold.

Deep bluish-purple colour. Classic Syrah aromas of black pepper and olive brine along with notes of juicy blueberry and plum, incense and hibiscus tea. Vivacious, with refreshing acidity and grainy tannins. It has a long life ahead but is approachable now. (JRL)

Saturated colour in the glass. Gorgeous aromatic expression that combines menthol, smoke and cedar, all overlaid with floral violet and hibiscus notes. Quite a dense palate, with firm, meaty tannins – more structured than a typical vintage. Blackberry and black olive flavours and blackberry-skin tannins. The oak work is seamless with the fruit, and the alcohol in balance. Delicious now, but will be better from 2030. Fruit from three lieux-dits: Bassenon, Maison Rouge and Lancement, partial destemming. Matured for 18 months in used barrels.