Situated in the southwest, the sun-bathed Vigna Spuntali looks towards the sea which provides cooling breezes in the hot summer months. Vines grow on sandy soil surrounded by low-lying Mediterranean shrub. The resulting wine is plump yet not heavy, with glossy, sweet fruit lightly coated in fine, dusty tannins. Forthcoming scents of dried thyme and orange peel are countered by a saline tang. Ageing is in small French oak barrels.

This opens with aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, espresso and toasted oak. The dense palate offers sour cherry, ground clove and roasted coffee bean alongside close-grained tannins. Drink 2023–2028.

I am immediately smitten by the Biondi-Santi 2016 Rosso di Montalcino thanks to the purity of the aromas on display. The bouquet literally submerges the senses in Sangiovese, with those delicate aromas of wild rose, violets, wet earth and brambly forest berry. Background notes of licorice, camphor ash and balsam herb come into steady focus. I am delighted by the intensity and the immense focus of this wine. This Rosso di Montalcino stands with the best of Brunello...

You will notice the dedication printed below the label of the wine label. It reads: "Dedicato a Franco Biondi Santi." Indeed, the Biondi-Santi 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is the last vintage made by the towering father figure of Brunello whom most everyone referred to as the "gentleman of Montalcino." Il Dottore, as he was also respectfully addressed, died at age 91 in April 2013, and he was very active in the winery as this magnificent wine took shape. This Riserva is a true work of beauty...

A lush blend of four Rhône varieties, pale pink, dry and juicy, deep and generous; tangy and delightful, from one of the region’s top producers.

Smooth, fresh and earthy with bright cherry and lively spice; silky texture, crisp acidity and a long finish.

Generous and juicy with tangy, clean and crisp style; racy, bright and balanced with long, appealing flavors.

Fresh citrus nose, silky and crisp with passionfruit and Meyer lemon, lively and tangy, a remarkable wine, particularly at this price.

Attractively complex with red plums and berries ,as well as meaty notes and darker fruit aromas. The palate has a very open-knit, fleshy and attractive feel with a wealth of ripe, succulent fruit on offer. Drink or hold.

A second consecutive winner from this fine estate, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is 66% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 6% Cinsault and 3% of the other permitted varieties. Grilled red plums lead off, fleshed out by other ripe stone fruits. Full-bodied and plush, it's creamy in texture through the mid-palate, then long and silky on the finish, where it picks up hints of Asian five spice powder.

Tasted blind. Banana, apple, lemon juice adding a vein of freshness on the finish. Slight salinity gives moderate complexity on the length.

Fresh, with quinine, lime, peach, honeysuckle and star fruit notes streaming through. Offers a bright, mouthwatering finish. Very fresh now, but will broaden out a little with moderate cellaring. Drink now through 2021. 400 cases made, 75 cases imported.

The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Boisrenard is inky in color, with aromas that hint at toasted coconut, black cherries and chocolate. It's a rich, decadent, full-bodied sexpot of a CdP that possess admirable concentration, a wonderfully creamy-silky texture and a long, long finish.

Lively and expressive red cherries and berries on the nose here. This has a very plush and vibrant, darker fruit feel to the palate with some sturdy fruit tannin and a nicely played oak frame to the finish. Drink or hold.

Tasted blind. Thick, ripe black bramble fruits on the palate. Carries the density well thanks to bright acidity and soft, fine tannic texture. The finish has a slight burn to it, but the fruit intensity almost keeps up.

Pure preserved cherry aroma. Tough tannic power on the palate. Very chewy. Some liquorice and leather character on the finish, but the flavour range can't soften the fearsome structure.

Beaurenard's top white—and one of the best in the appellation—is the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Cuvee Boisrenard, a wood-aged blend of 42% Clairette, 32% Roussanne, 11% Bourboulenc, 10% Grenache Blanc and bits of Grenache Gris, Picardan, Picpoul Blanc and Picpoul Gris. Subtle toast elements (it's fermented and aged in a mix of foudres and used barrels) frame ripe citrus and pineapple in a wine that's round, ripe and full-bodied, plush yet long and crisp on the finish.

Tasted blind. Sweetcorn, tropical fruit, honey and preserved lemon on the palate. Fairly brief in persistence, but the primary fruit might evolve somewhat with time.

Offers a broad, creamy feel, with macadamia nut, piecrust, glazed pear and creamed yellow apple notes, backed by flashes of ginger and brioche on the finish. A lush, seductive wine. Drink now through 2021. 250 cases made, 20 cases imported.

Could the 2017 Rasteau Argiles Bleues be even better than the excellent 2016? It's certainly a big step up from the regular 2017 bottling. Ripe notes of cola, plum and dried spices lead into a full-bodied, expansive palate that's rich and velvety in texture, finishing long and layered. It should drink well for at least 6-7 years.