An EXTREMELY cold January, with rare snow lying on the ground (briefly) marked the start of a year that was incredibly dry. Very low rainfall in a cool spring, and then a nice mini heatwave in June, but still very little rain. Two more heat spikes in mid July and late August, followed by September rains which finally allowed the vines a little moisture, and helped to swell the thick-skinned grapes.

Gentle, herbal, fragrant red fruit - fresh cranberries and griotte cherries.

Deliciously drinkable and juicy - a joyous young Grenache with a riot of succulent, crunchy cranberry fruit and a savoury freshness that immediately calls for another glass.

A bright yet extremely pale pinkish red - almost like an old-fashioned 'clairet'

A very easy-going red that can be drunk on its own, but try it with white fish, or tomato dishes.

14 months in mostly older 500L 'demi-muids'

Most of the vineyards for our white and rosé were harvested before the rain, and most of our reds in a dry spell after the rainy spells. A good year for white and pinks, and a GREAT year for reds.