This wine really stood out at a recent tasting of Côtes du Rhônes. It offers typically big fruit and relatively supple texture, but it is special partly because 10% of the wine was aged in oak. The vast majority of CDRs at this price are aged only in tanks, which preserves fruit at the expense of texture and complexity. Ten percent might not seem like much, but it makes a big difference here; in addition, the vines at Ségriès were cropped at a low 45 hl/ha.

Some general words from Parker: "A super value treasure trove, Ségriès is a large estate of 109 acres brought back to life over the last decade by Henri de Lanzac. The wines continue to go from strength to strength.... Over the last 15 years, this property has been transformed into one of the better value producers in the CDR. The old, oxidized, vegetal offerings have been replaced with classic examples of Provençal wines that are fresh and fruity with ripe tannins."

And on this wine: 89 points "The 2010 Côtes du Rhône red, which is made from 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault and Carignan, with 90% aged in tank and 10% in barrel, displays the vintage's opulence. Loads of licorice, roasted herbs, sweet black cherries, and damp earth intermixed with notions of pepper and spice are present in this medium-bodied, exuberant, ebullient, fruit-driven Côtes du Rhône. It should drink nicely for 2-3 years. The new releases from proprietor Henri de Lanzac are all impressive."