(2023) From the IGT of Côtes du Brian in the Languedoc, this wine comes from a vineyard of over 100-year-old Carignan vines. Watch out for the hefty 15% abv of this unoaked and powerful southern red, where its vivid spice, cherry and black plum compote fruit soars from the glass in serious blockbuster style. The fruit, natural concentration and extract of the wine coats the palate in a glossy layer of substance, super sweet and rich, a wine of considerable heft, but then the acidity is keen and the tannins add a drying, chewy edge to the picture too. Hugely impressive in its singular style, though maybe not for everyone? Note price and stockist quoted at time of review is for the previous vintage.

(2022) From the tiny IGP of Mont Baudile where this producer is responsible for 90% of production, a blend of typical grapes including Syrah and Grenache. Quite inky and dark in aromatic character, a solid old polished wood sheen over black, juicy plum, maybe just a touch of violet. In the mouth so plush and creamy, a smooth layering of savoury but sweet black fruit over a ripe core of tannin that has a chocolate smoothness and density. A really classy wine this, acidity is balanced and the finish is all about dark fruit and succulence. A steal at the £10.49 'mixed dozen' price, as it is good value at full price.

(2018) Syrah and Grenache with a touch of Mourvèdre, this cuvée comes from the Terrasses du Larzac appellation in the Languedoc and is aged in oak barrels. Dark and saturated, meatiness, a touch of sizzling bacon fat, is added to the plummy dark fruit. In the moouth the sweet ripeness of the fruit impresses, a flood of bittersweet cherry and blueberry, the oak adding just a sheen of smokiness and roundness to what remains an essentially fruit-driven (and delicious) wine.