Delas Frères Haute Pierre Châteauneuf-du-Pape (75cl, 14.5%)

Haute Pierre is a Grenache-dominant red from Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhône, made by Delas Frères. The grapes come from growers the house has worked with for decades, on vineyards covered in the large round stones known as galets roulés. The fruit is fermented in open cement tanks, then aged for 14 months in large 60-hectolitre oak tuns, which add structure without overpowering the fruit. The nose is deep, meaty and earthy, with candied bitter orange, sandalwood, dried garrigue herbs and plum compote. The palate is rich, with dark plum, raspberry and boysenberry, a hint of liquorice and dense, fine tannins. The finish is long, with warm spice, dried herbs and a savoury, earthy note.