Lirac & Tavel 2024: The most characterful top-scoring wines

Pale red, with a soft, elegant and open palate of crushed strawberry, apricot and fine tannins with some depth of flavour. No huge length at this stage but so bright, cleansing and sapid. Organic, harvested by hand, carbonic maceration, no filtration, malolactic completed.

Pink peppercorn, hibiscus, cranberry and raspberry scents leap from the glass. The wine has low acidity, but a lovely sense of tension and salinity that brings balance and freshness. So drinkable and refreshing. From a blend of Tavel soils, some very old vines, a mix of Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette and Carignan. Will be released in spring 2026.

Aromatic and floral, with a sweetness to the strawberry fruits, a silky texture, bright acidity and a long finish. An elegant style that you could drink on its own or with food. Saline, mouthwatering, a touch more body and length compared to the cuvée classique. 36-hour maceration, aged in concrete vats for nine months.

Cherry and raspberry aromas, the Cinsault really makes itself known. Fairly full-bodied, it has weight on the palate and good concentration of fresh cherry and a lifted finish. Mineral and sapid, this is an excellent, contemporary Tavel. Feather-light yet deep, from old bush vines grown on limestone. Five days infusion, then aged in Stockinger demi-muids for six months.

Lightly perfumed with raspberry and wild strawberry aromas. Bright acidity, a mineral note on the finish that is slightly saline with good length. A focused style of Tavel with a tapered finish. I would drink this young.

This has wonderful freshness on the nose, just subtly underpinned by oak, which gives shape and length. Bright redcurrant, wild strawberry and violet flavours are supported by deep, driving acidity, then a long, mineral finish.

Engaging aromas of strawberry and raspberry. Expressive, with good weight on the palate, which shows further precise red fruit flavours. Satin-textured with real brightness, freshness and a long finish. Delicious.

Smells like raspberry ripple ice cream, then it's dry on the palate with good acidity, ending with a herbal touch. This has freshness, detail, balance and interest, best drunk by itself but will stand up to light dishes. Lovely energy and floral notes.