Domaine Perrin

This estate was created in 1980 by Roger Perrin. From 1986 until 2010 it was run by his son Luc, who took over while still a teenager following his father's death. In 2010 fate struck again and Luc died so the estate was taken over by his sister Veronique and is today run by her and her son Xavier Rolin. The estate is about 40 hectares with just over 15.5 in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The vineyards are managed with a nod to organics but are not certified.

Dark in colour, ranging from ruby-red to almost black. On the nose summer fruit, blackcurrant and blackberry Provençal spices (garrigue), pepper, a hint of vanilla with a touch of gaminess. Reliably complex nose. All these aromas resurface on the palate in the company of some very subtle tannins. Generous and mouth-filling, boasting superb persistence on the palate. Lovely fresh finish. Amazingly well-balanced.

Spiced sausage casserole with haricot beans. Red meat (roast leg of lamb, roast beef).

Hand harvested grapes. Pumping over and skin contact for 2 - 3 weeks. Aged for 6 months in a concrete vat before bottling.