Lastly, the 2011 Ventoux Abelard is, as always, more Provençal in style and always reminds me of a top Gigondas. Based largely on Grenache, it boasts rocking notes of blackberries, black cherries, licorice, and black olives. This full-bodied 2011 has a ripe, sexy style, no hard edges, and perfect balance. Drink it any time over the coming decade.

Deepest crimson, very youthful in appearance. On the nose, riper and sweeter than the Héloïse, even a hint of red fruits as well as the peppery bramble notes and an attractive slight leafiness – even though I sometimes find Chêne Bleu's Grenache is almost more like Syrah in its dry elegance. Smooth yet still a little chewy (without food) with the sweetness of Grenache and a start of its leathery development. Not as elegant as the Héloïse in this vintage but generous and chewy with a long way to go, and a more savoury side starting to show in a meaty, black-olive flavour on the finish...

Full-bodied, backward and tannic, the 2011 IGP Vaucluse Abelard deserves a couple of years in the cellar. It offers hints of asphalt and cola on the nose, followed by flavors of black cherries and plums, marked by a roasted, caramelized sense of sucrosity. This Grenache-dominated blend is full-bodied and amply concentrated, with a long finish.

This late release shows maturity, featuring enticing truffle and cedar aromas that lead the way for mulled currant and plum fruit flavors. Tobacco, savory and lavender notes curl through the finish, where sweet fruit still lingers. Fully mature, with sneaky depth, this is still providing pleasure. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2022. 1,000 cases made, 200 cases imported.