Dense crimson in colour, with a nose of mature dark fruit, pepper, earthy spice and some vanilla, leading onto a full bodied, yet graceful palate of smoked game, bell pepper, cloves and sweet black fruit. Long finish and prominent, warm tannins. Pair with hard cheeses and casseroles.

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.