2023 Dm La Remejeanne Les Chevrefeuilles Cotes du Rhone Rouge, Rhone Valley

The nose has a gentle peach aroma, honeysuckle indeed after the wine’s name, with a hint of smoke. The palate is charming from the off, holds squeezy and cosy white fruits with tender progress along the palate, the finale curved.

John Livingstone-Learmonth, Drink Rhône

Domaine La Réméjeanne has quietly become one of the Southern Rhône's most admired family estates. Located near Sabran in the Gard, the property has been nurtured by the Klein family for generations. Rémy Klein established the domaine's modern reputation, while his son Olivier has continued to elevate quality through organic farming, low yields and a commitment to expressing the distinctive terroirs of the estate. Their wines consistently offer authenticity, character and some of the best value in the Rhône Valley.

Les Chèvrefeuilles, named after the honeysuckle that grows throughout the estate, is a classic Southern Rhône blend dominated by Grenache with supporting portions of Syrah and Mourvèdre. The vineyards sit on a mix of limestone, clay and gravel soils, helping to produce fruit with both richness and freshness. The warm Mediterranean climate provides generous ripeness, while careful vineyard management preserves balance and aromatic lift.

Deep ruby red with vibrant purple highlights, the wine opens with aromas of blackberry, raspberry and black cherry, layered with notes of lavender, dried thyme and cracked pepper. Hints of liquorice and warm spice emerge as the wine opens in the glass. The palate is generous and silky, delivering ripe dark berry fruits, plum and savoury garrigue flavours that are so characteristic of the Southern Rhône. Fine tannins provide structure without heaviness, while fresh acidity keeps the wine lively and balanced. The finish is long and satisfying, carrying notes of spice, herbs and dark fruits.

This is a wonderfully versatile red for the table. Pair it with rosemary roasted lamb, grilled pork cutlets, slow cooked beef casserole, smoky eggplant with tomato and olive ragù or a mushroom and lentil shepherd's pie. Delicious in its youth, it will continue to gain savoury complexity over the next five to eight years. Rich, expressive and full of regional character, it is a superb example of traditional Southern Rhône winemaking.