2024 Domaine de Ferrand Cotes du Rhone Mistral

Philippe Bravay is one of the unsung heroes of the Southern Rhône. His tiny estate, Domaine de Ferrand, sits in the sweet spot of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, rubbing shoulders with heavyweights like Beaucastel and Charvin. While his top-tier wines are hunted by collectors, the 'Mistral' offers a way to tap into that pedigree without the hefty price tag.

Think of this as a "Baby Châteauneuf" and you are pretty close to the mark. The fruit is sourced from organic vines bordering the appellation, with some plantings dating all the way back to 1945. It is a classic blend driven by Grenache, but with enough Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre to give it spine and complexity. Philippe is a staunch traditionalist, so you won't find any new oak here. He uses concrete tanks and natural yeasts - it's bare-bones CdR.

The 2024 release is a standout. It is astonishingly concentrated for the category, pouring a deep colour and offering waves of spicy cherry, raspberry and bramble fruit. The extra hit of Syrah in the blend really opens it up, adding a savoury, meaty layer to the soft, silky tannins. This is honest, delicious French red that over-delivers in a big way.