(2015) The single vineyard for this wine is located in the western Languedoc, at between 400m and 500m above sea level, on limestone and clay which is claimed to produce ripening conditions similar to those in Chablis ( where Laroche is based, though in fact Michel Laroche is no longer in charge and the brand is now part of a larger company). It seems heavily oak influenced to me however, and quite un-Chablis-like, with toast and vanilla and touches of tropical fruit. In the mouth it does have a juicy, lively character, again the fruit teeters on the pineapple and tropical, with a touch of baked apple pie, but acidity is refreshing. 87

(2012) Jean-Claude Mas purchased Château Crès Ricards in 2010, a 28-hectare estate in the Coteaux du Languedoc planted in the 1960s. This is a blend of Vermentino (Rolle) and Roussanne with smaller amounts of Grenache and Viognier, fermented and partly-aged in oak barrels. The nose has a honeyed, buttery toastiness with melon and orchard fruits, just a hint of something peachy and floral coming through. The palate shows a toasty streak from the barrels too and is very young, and the cool precision of the fruit, with pithy lemon and stone-fruit, yellow plum flavours wins out, the good, stony acidity sharpening up the finish too. Quite a steely young wine, this should cellar for a few years.

(2010) A blend of 90% Marsanne and 10% Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. Smoky notes, but a lovely apricot fruit too. A certain floral edge from the Muscat. Brisk on the palate, lots of crunch and bone dry acidity, the palate staying focused with a certain lean, taut appeal. Needs food, but lip-smacking and delicious.