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

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.

Deep, concentrated, and refreshingly saline, this is like great Cornas with Mediterranean influences.

Clairette, an unsung hero of the south, is the main grape here, undoubtedly one of many key elements to this singular wine.

Stony and smoky, and full of garrigue and black cherry, it is an epic wine that opens up wonderfully now.

Grenache is joined by Syrah and a drop of Mourvèdre to create this delightful everyday red scented of herbes de Provence and ripe black cherry.

Dark-fruited, with fresh acidity and stony tannins, it’s about as versatile as reds come from the south of France.

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.

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

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