Domaine la Réméjeanne Côtes du Rhône Les Arbousiers Rouge 2021

Certified Organic. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, this is from a single plot of old vines called Arbousiers—the name referencing a native fruit tree that abounds in central France. Rather than having weighty tannins and high levels of extraction (as many old-vine Rhône blends seem to specialise in), this is a finely balanced wine with poise and finesse. At 320 metres, Réméjeanne is able to get perfectly ripened Grenache and Syrah, all the while retaining the sort of energy and acidity we seldom see in the southern Rhône these days. Naturally fermented and raised (without sulphur) in concrete tanks, the sweetly perfumed Arbousiers is emblematic of the quality Olivier Klein is achieving in both vineyard and cellar. From an impressive vintage, this has both the depth of fruit and impeccable balance we have come to expect from this superb, organically certified Côtes du Rhône. The palate has plenty of complexity but still exudes gulpable charm, with its combination of velvety tannins and refreshing acidity making for an atypically bright and lithe Côtes du Rhône. Immediately enjoyable, it will also still be in great shape five years from now.