From the biodynamically farmed vineyards of Mas de Libian, the Bout d’Zan 2024 is a standout expression of old-vine Southern Rhône character and purity. Sourced from approximately 40-year-old vines rooted across the highland Ardèche soils, the blend brings together a mosaic of galets roulés, sandy clay and limestone parcels, each contributing a different layer of texture and nuance.

The blend is composed of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, co-fermented as is traditional at the estate to preserve harmony and integration from the outset. As Hélène Thibon’s father famously put it, “The earlier you consummate the marriage, the better the relationship”—a philosophy that underpins the wine’s seamless sense of cohesion. Fermentation and maturation take place in a combination of Stockinger foudres and cement vats, with the inclusion of ripe Syrah stems in this vintage adding an extra layer of freshness and aromatic lift.

The result is a wine that is both generous and finely tuned. It opens with silky waves of liquorice-laced blackberry fruit, unfolding into a creamy, savoury core shaped by mineral tension and fine, polished tannins. There is a distinctive sense of energy throughout, with poppy-edged freshness and a subtle smoky lift that carries through the red-fruited finish. It is immediately expressive, yet retains a cool, high-country finesse that keeps everything in balance.

A compelling Southern Rhône red that combines biodynamic precision, textural generosity and vibrant drinkability, making it one of the most compelling value wines in its class.