Chemin du Belvedere, Cave du Tain, NV

Would you be interested in a boundary-breaking red from some of the finest crus in the Northern Rhône crafted by Xavier Frouin, winemaker at Hermitage’s Cave de Tain? I jumped at the chance. Chemin du Bélvèdere is Xavier’s special project – a red that breaks all French appellation d’origine contrôlée laws, which is why it’s labelled a humble Vin de France. Some of you may have experienced their other superb wines from my list, they are certainly one of my favourite producers, so I am delighted that now I also have some of Xavier’s special project red. And also the white wine, once again blended from vineyards in the Hermitage vicinity using 100% Marsanne; the white grape of prized Hermitage Blanc, with ripe apricot, citrus and blossom notes, this is a thrilling white!

Chemin du Belvedere NV 13.5%

This wine may have Vin de France on the label, but it's pure northern Rhône powerhouse in the bottle. It’s made from 100% Syrah, all from within the Northern Rhône, but from four different vintages and four different vineyard s. The wine is named after a path that runs along the edge of Crozes, from which there are breathtaking views of the steep vineyards and winding river.

2019 vintage Syrah from a plot of vines just across the path – known as the Chemin du Bélvèdere – from Cave de Tain’s Crozes-Hermitage vines.

2017 Crozes-Hermitage which adds a lovely warmth and smoky spice.

2016 vintage Cornas, the most southerly of the Northern Rhône Syrah, provides extra intensity and richness.

And the final ingredient is a 2015 Hermitage, an incredible vintage with a winning combination of power and elegance. This is the component that adds a true wow factor to Chemin du Belvédère!

“A superb blend of Northern Rhone shiraz wines. Had the typical Shiraz depth of flavours and pepperiness. Not sweet and cloying like many New World shiraz. Excellent value. You'd believe that it was an expensive Appellation.”

Luscious, dark red with a core of juicy berry fruit including black raspberries and cassis. There is an abundance of wild herbs and bouquet garni and a fabulous smoky richness coming from the more aged components. It has a velvety open knit texture, sensational concentration and the tannins are sweet and ripe!

Both these wines offer extraordinary value for such majestic vintages and famous names, simply unrivalled at this price. We think this is a clever and revolutionary way to make fine wine quality for a humble price point. I urge you to take this opportunity to order this fabulous red wine, – and I promise you that the white is equally as good!