'It is impossible to think of France without wine', says the World Atlas of Wine, 'as it is to think of wine without France' and no where is this less true than in the Rhône Valley, which has a proud history of crafting complex reds, rich in Syrah and Grenache. Simply put it's a treasure-trove of incredible red wines for the savvy red buyer!

In this deliciously rich twin case Philippe Cambie and Gilles Ferran bring you their old vine cult blockbuster Calendal whilst Michael Gassier, one of the pioneers of the Rhone, brings us a Grenache/Syrah blend from the  micro climate of Costiere de Nime. Both of these only have very small allocations set aside for New Zealand, so we are proud to be able to share some of these rare tasty bottles in the convenient 2 bottle tasting pack!

So light the fire and pour a glass & enjoy these pure, rich and spicy Grenache based wines alongside your favourite winter fare...

1 x Calendal Plan De Dieu Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2016 (France)

AWARDED 95/100 POINTS:  Jeb Dunnuck

"An absolutely brilliant wine produced by Philippe Cambie working with proprietor Gilles Ferran" Robert Parker

"I think unquestionably the greatest vintage for this cuvée to date - the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu Calendal. Coming from well know Oenologist Philippe Cambie’s own label and a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, it offers a refined, beautifully pure bouquet of black raspberries, cassis, crushed flowers, and spice. Full-bodied, elegant and silky, with a level of polish and elegance lacking in prior vintages, it has integrated acidity (a hallmark of the vintage), ripe tannin and a blockbuster finish. It’s already hard to resist, but it going to continue dishing out loads of pleasure for at least a decade" Jeb Dunnuck

Calendal, is first and foremost a story of friendship and love. Friendship between two men, Philippe Cambie and Gilles Ferran, (who studied oenology together over twenty years ago) and their love for the under appreciated terroir in Southern France, for the cherished varietals - Grenache and Mourvèdre, and their healthy infatuation for the very old vines.

Closure: Cork - Alc: 15%

1 x Chateau de Nages Costiere de Nime Vielles Vignes 2015 (France)

AWARDED 92/100 POINTS: Robert Parker, RobertParker.com

AWARDED 92/100 POINTS: Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com

AWARDED 91/100 POINTS: Wine Spectator

A beautiful blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Carignan, in which all grapes certified Organic.

Bright violet in the glass, this delightful blend offers vibrant cherry and red berry scents, which are complemented by suggestions of licorice and peppery spices. Sweet and tightly focused on the palate, offering fresh cherry and raspberry flavors that deepen and spread out slowly with air. Finishes juicy and very long, displaying subtle tannic grip and a hint of red fruit liqueur.

Closure: Cork - Alc: 14.5%