This Gigondas—densely concentrated and deeply opaque—is more refined than meets the eye.

Clos La Roquète’s blanc is luscious, yet finishes nice and dry with striking acidity.

There’s a gentle veil of minerality, and the nose is expansive, making way for notes that are more spiced than fruity.

The palate is dense and ripe, yet wonderfully smooth and elegant. Racines seems to tap into the history of Les Pallières, the prestige and the high-toned elegance.

Leydiers at Domaine de Durban are particularly proud of their Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, a vin doux naturel, as they are among the last to craft it in the traditional style.

This is about as quaffable as the region’s rouges get.

La Sagesse carries the full flavor, succulence, and savoriness we associate with Grenache on a graceful and lively frame.

An abundance of violets and velvet, amid a cooling sensation of a cold spring on a hot day.

The flavors are mostly deep and dark—stones, licorice, black olive, and blackberry—but the frame is lithe.

Another delectable wine from the Brunier family, with a complex mouth-feel that finishes with refreshing acidity.