Boysenberries, blueberries and hints of redder fruit emerge on the nose of the 2019 Cotes du Rhone les Claux, a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. It's medium to full-bodied, with a plump, generous feel and a silky texture accompanied by a gorgeous sensation of freshness and lip-smacking acidity on the long finish.

The 2018 Cotes du Rhone les Claux, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, boasts bold notes of black cherries, mulberries and blackberries. Medium to full-bodied, it's fruit-forward but finishes savory and silky. It should drink well for 4-5 years.

The rich, concentrated 2016 Cotes du Rhone les Claux is an equal-parts blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah from a lieu-dit just next to Lirac, on the western side of the Rh?ne. Dark cherry fruit dominates this full-bodied red, but it picks up notes of lavender, thyme and anise on the plush, velvety-textured finish.

Another killer C?tes du Rh?ne that’s made from 60% Grenache and 20% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah, the 2015 C?tes du Rh?nes Les Claux was completely destemmed and brought up all in concrete tanks. It offers lots of red fruits (cherries, raspberries), spice and garrigue, as well as medium to full-bodied richness, a rounded, sexy texture and sweet tannin. Ideal for drinking over the coming 4-6 years, and readers looking for great wines on a budget are well advised to latch onto these two C?tes du Rh?nes from Raymond Usseglio.

Looking at the reds, Usseglio’s 2013 C?tes du Rh?ne Les Claux sports an inky purple color to go with impressive cassis, black raspberry, licorice, leather and ground herb. A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre, it has good concentration, bright acidity and an elegant, seamless feel that will keep it drinking nicely for 6-7 years.