2023 Chateau Mont Redon Lirac, Rhone Valley

A solid, spicy and energetic Lirac with aromas of dark plums, dark chocolate, hot stones, peppercorns and a hint of grilled meat. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, a caressing texture and a vibrant kick of spice. Good balance between the generous fruit and pronounced spices. Long, peppery finish. Drink or hold.

92 points James Suckling, June 2025

Château Mont-Redon is one of the Southern Rhône's historic estates, with a winemaking heritage stretching back to the nineteenth century. Best known for its celebrated Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the estate also produces an excellent Lirac from vineyards across the Rhône River. It is a wonderfully appealing introduction to the family's style, combining generous Mediterranean fruit with savoury complexity and fine structure.

Lirac lies on the western bank of the Rhône, where vineyards share many of the rounded stones, sandy soils and warm growing conditions associated with neighbouring Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The 2023 is based on traditional Rhône varieties, led by Grenache and Syrah, producing a richly flavoured red with plenty of freshness.

Deep ruby red with purple highlights. Ripe blackberry, black cherry and plum mingle with violet, cracked pepper and wild thyme. The palate is generous and supple, with juicy dark berries, fine tannins and a lovely savoury edge. Notes of liquorice, black olive and dried herbs carry through a long, satisfying finish.

Try it with grilled lamb kofta and smoky eggplant, slow cooked chickpeas with tomato and saffron, or duck with olives and rosemary. Its generous fruit also makes it a terrific partner for wood fired pizza with spicy sausage and roasted peppers.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2033. Already approachable, with the structure to develop greater savoury complexity over the next several years.