2022 Domaine Galuval ‘Le Coq Volant’ Rouge

Bottled under Diam, this wine is a wonderful example of just how far quality winemaking has come in recent decades. A while back, a Côtes-du-Rhône Villages would have been little more than a cheap quaffer. These days, there are some seriously good, enjoyable and attractive wines emerging from the appellation. A vibrant crimson/red hue, the colour is a bit reminiscent of a good, near-raw steak. The nose reveals notes of florals, cranberries, bay leaves, warm earth, dried herbs and coffee beans. The wine is of medium length, finishing with fine tannins. The team attribute notes of violets to the Syrah and red fruits to the Grenache. Youthful and with good focus, it lingers pleasantly and should provide attractive drinking over the next six to seven years.

Le Coq Volant – The Flying Rooster – takes off on a runway of Syrah (aka Shiraz) and Grenache. Aromas of red earth, dried leaves, black cherry, plum, vanilla and spice come with flashes of floral. It is Village level, a step up from the regional classification, and offering a solid basis for a fruit-filled style which it delivers particularly well. Upfront in black fruits and spice on the palate with some background cocoa, overall it shows a little more Syrah earthiness over Grenache red fruited florals.