Joseph was succeeded officially by his son Philippe in 2008. In his late 30s at the time, Philippe had in fact run the domaine for several years previously. Tragically, Philippe himself died in 2015, aged 46, meaning these 2014s are the last wines he made.

Philippe had been increasingly assisted by his younger brother Pierre-Jean, who is now running the domaine, and with whom we tasted last November. Madame Roty, mother to Philippe and PierreJean, is a constant presence before and after tastings (although she rarely tastes with us herself). It feels like she is the glue which holds this resilient family unit together.

Until this vintage, some cuvées had been bottled as Domaine Joseph Roty and others as Domaine Philippe Roty. From the 2014 vintage onwards, the decision has been taken to make all wines under the label Domaine Joseph Roty.