An impressive classic Séguret - about as good as Côtes du Rhône-Villages gets! The nose is explosive, plush and opulent as ever, layered with suggestions of exotic spices (cinnamon, galangal, tumeric), cracked black pepper and of course streaked with vanilla. The palate is instantly appealing, polished and smooth on entry but steeped in depth and texture as the flavours swirl around, lengthen and delight. The lasting impression is satisfying - a big and opulent Grenache-driven wine with obvious oak quality, great structure, length and finish.

High up the ‘slopes of schiste’ in the rugged mountainous terroir of Séguret lies a single vineyard so predominantly planted with Grenache Noir (intermingled only here and there with some Syrah) that the resulting wine – Les Coteaux Schisteux - comes close to being one of the purest expressions of Grenache Noir in the southern Rhône valley.

'Les Turcs' is a single east-facing high-altitude vineyard with stony, argillaceous limestone terraces , above the schistous slopes of the village of Séguret. Here, on vines of 50 years of age (some are older), the grapes benefit from the morning sun and even ripening temperatures. Grenache Noir and Syrah can only be harvested by hand in this unforgiving terroir. Traditional long cuvasion using only wild yeasts is aided by regular remontage to release all the potential of the grapes and their skins. The wine spends 22 months in French oak 228l barrels and 600l demi-muids.

Perfect with big hearty casseroles and juicy meat dishes, or be really adventurous and try it with a Thai Massaman curry...