Xavier Gérard, Côte-Rôtie, Rhône, France, 2015

In 2013, Xavier Gerard’s father – who used to be a part-time winemaker, grower and Crédit-Agricole employee – passed his vines to his son. Xavier spent the decade before that learning the trade at home, as well as travelling extensively, getting experience by working at other wineries. Now in his 30s, he is producing some great wines from his excellent parcels of fruit: Terroir du Mollard giving a mineral character, and those north of Ampuis giving a peppery character to the blend. Gearoid Devaney MS: Immediate, ripe forest berry fruits spring from the glass and unfurl onto a rich palate with good concentration and smooth tannins. It is complex and glossy yet elegant with a fresh finish. Simon Field MW: Classicism in every sense: gently reticent at first then a linear palate emerges, garlanded by red fruit and finely powdered tannins. There is quite an assertive undertow presaging an illustrious evolution. Matt Walls: Just 4% Viognier, but it makes itself known on the nose with a touch of stone fruit among the berries. Soft, ripe, yielding palate, but also concentrated and long, with fine tannins and brisk acidity leading to a long finish. Intense yet easygoing style – very easy to love.