2020 Agly Brothers Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Roussillon

There are roughly 600 cases of the 2020 Côtes Du Roussillon Villages, and I suspect it will be one of the best values out there. Northern Rhône-like notes of blackberries, black raspberries, crushed stone, violets, and ground pepper emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied, elegant, and seamless on the palate. A completely destemmed blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache brought up in concrete, it’s going to drink brilliantly for 7-8 years or more.

93-96 points jebdunnuck.com

Agly Brothers Côtes du Roussillon Villages is a thrilling collaboration between two legends of the wine world—Michel Chapoutier, the biodynamic maestro of the Rhône, and Ron Laughton, the visionary behind Jasper Hill in Victoria. When these two got together in the wild hills of Roussillon, the result was never going to be ordinary. This wine is the lovechild of old-world terroir and Australian grit—a seriously expressive red that offers outrageous value without compromising on character.

The fruit comes from ancient, dry-grown vines clinging to the schistous slopes of the Agly Valley in Roussillon, where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean. It’s a raw, windswept landscape of sun, stone and herbal scrub, and that wildness comes through in every sip. Syrah, Grenache and Carignan form the backbone, harvested by hand and vinified with a nod to both tradition and innovation. Fermentation is natural, the use of oak is restrained, and the goal is clear: to let the fruit and the land speak.

And speak it does. The nose hits with blackberry, raspberry, lavender, crushed rock and dried herbs—pure Roussillon garrigue. On the palate, it’s juicy yet structured, full of dark fruit, black olive, smoky spice and earth. Tannins are assertive but silky, acidity is fresh, and there’s a stony, mineral echo that lingers well after the last sip. It’s serious enough to cellar for up to a decade, but let’s be honest—it’s dangerously drinkable right now.

This is the perfect wine for grilled lamb with rosemary, duck with black olives, mushroom ragù, or a simple platter of charcuterie and firm cheeses. It's also just the thing to pour on a cool night with a fire going and good company around the table.

Agly Brothers is more than just a smart buy—it’s a conversation between two wine cultures, expressed through ancient vines and a shared philosophy of authenticity. Ron Laughton and Michel Chapoutier didn’t set out to make a show pony—they made a wine with soul, soil, and seriously good value.