Aromas of black cherries with dark chocolate touches. Lively, plum and black cherry favours,. Good ripe tannins. Just slightly (and attractively) roasted and toasty, despite being unoaked. Now-2014

Product Code: FON109

M Fontaneil, heir to 35 hectares of a family domaine since 1864, has been a stalwart of our lists since 2003. From his range of reds we offer his terrific value red Vin de Pays, his sturdy but unoaked red Côtes de Roussillon, and his flagship red, Le Prieuré. From one parcel near Tautavel on a high, windswept, north facing vineyard marked by galets, rounded stones, this blend of 2/3 Syrah, with Mourvèdre and a little Grenache, is given a 42 day maceration and 18 months half  in new oak, half in first fill barrels. This can approach Hermitage in style after a few years in bottle.