Dense purple in aspect, with a nose of of black pepper, provencal herbs and olive tapenade. Full bodied and fresh on the palate, with dark fruit, earth and gamey notes, supported by firm tannins and good acidity. Pair with roast lamb, casseroles and stews.

Domaine Vacheron-Pouizin is a southern Rhône estate that has risen to prominence in the last 5 years and whose wines are now keenly sought-after, particularly in the United States. The 8-hectare estate is located at Courthézon on the edge of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation and its vineyards lie adjacent to those of Château Beaucastel. Since 1996 the estate has been run by Jean Denis Vacheron who learnt his trade at Domaine Vacheron, one of the leading estates at Sancerre in the Loire Valley. Jean Denis is a meticulous winemaker and since 1996 the wines have displayed greater depth of fruit, more richness and more complexity. The wines are characterised by their purity of fruit and their smooth, almost velvet-like texture. They are bottled unfined and unfiltered.