I think the wine of the vintage, the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus ex Machina again shows how good this estate is, even in difficult vintages. Giving up beautifully ripe black cherry, currant, licorice, ground herbs and hints of pepper, it’s full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, rich, structured and layered on the palate. While it will age gracefully, it too is a superb drink now.

Very sumptuous crimson. Rich nose that promises a lot. Sweet and rich and hedonistic. Still with lots of tannin on the end but there seems to be good energy here. I’m just a bit worried by all that dry tannin on the end...?