2022 l'Oratoire Saint Martin Cotes du Rhone Les P'tit Gars, Southern Rhone

Biodynamic

Expect an instant blast of cherry, earth and spice. It's plump and juicy, extremely bright and dangerously drinkable- all purple fruits and baking spices with an integral acid backbone carrying all that juiciness into a well-integrated and fleshy finish. Notes of garrigue and impeccable gravel-like tannins complete the picture.

This superb-value wine was previously known simply as the Côtes du Rhône cuvée. It is now named Les P’tit Gars (‘the little mates’), a term used to refer to the brothers Frédéric and François Alary around the town of Cairanne when they were boys. It’s crafted from mature-vine 42% Grenache Noir, 38% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah, with small amounts of  Counoise, Cinsault, Vaccarèse, Muscardin and Terret Noir from the domaine’s new plantings (massal selection from Châteauneuf-du-Pape) included.
 
Here, you get greater depth, structure and savouriness for a few dollars more than the entry-level Côtes du Rhône (P’tit Martin). No small oak barrels were used during maturation, and the wine was bottled without fining or filtration. It’s a deep yet fragrant release, all silk and sinew, with a soul of sweet blueberry spice and herbs cosseted by lovely, snug tannins and vibrant freshness. An outstanding value from a benchmark producer.