Le Prince de Courthézon Côtes du Rhône 2016

A consistent top Gold medal winner, this gorgeous, velvety Rhône red also offers tremendous value. It's from the only co-operative cellar in Châteauneuf du Pape and is owned and run by local growers. The reason it's not labelled Châteauneuf (and is not twice the price!) is that the grapes are from vineyards next door to the famed appellation. What they do share is the same rock strewn soil that promotes superb richness and ripeness - and vines that are similarly aged and gnarled, which results in tiny quantities of concentrated fruit. Created by the gifted Thierry Ferlay, this exceptional Côtes du Rhône is a Top 10 choice for customers each year. The 2016 vintage is a real gem - spot-on with rack of lamb, a robust cassoulet or roast duck.