Domaine Les Cassanets 2017

Domaine Les Cassanets is something of a coup for us. Launched to great acclaim with the medal winning 2009, it has won a Gold medal nearly every vintage since. Labelled humble Côtes du Rhône, the domaine is in fact within Châteauneuf du Pape – but century old politics prevent it from being upgraded. The estate’s famous Châteauneuf neighbours are Châteaux de Beaucastel and Rayas, and 100 Parker point Clos du Caillou. Same grapes, same terroir – same style of wine. And winemaker Thierry Ferlay lavishes the same attention on Cassanets as on his award winning Châteauneuf. From a century old family estate, it is big, rich and spicy – the only giveaway that this isn’t Châteauneuf is the price. Decant early and serve with roast lamb or cassoulet.