2023 Domaine de Marcoux Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone

A delicious, fruit-driven and rather supple Chateauneuf with cherries, dried herbs and baking spices on the nose. It’s full-bodied with ripe tannins. A rich core of fruit with spices and some warmth to the finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

91 points James Suckling

Domaine de Marcoux has long been regarded as one of the great names of Châteauneuf du Pape, with the Armenier family tending these historic vineyards for generations. Today Catherine Armenier and Sophie Estevenin continue the estate's biodynamic philosophy, producing wines of elegance, purity and remarkable expression that have helped define the modern reputation of the Southern Rhône.

The estate wine is drawn from a mosaic of vineyards planted across the appellation's famous galets roulés, sandy soils and limestone sites. Dominated by old vine Grenache with traditional Rhône varieties adding complexity, it captures the generosity, perfume and savoury character that make Châteauneuf du Pape one of the world's great red wine regions.

The colour is a deep ruby crimson with youthful purple highlights. Aromas of ripe cherry, black raspberry and plum mingle with wild thyme, lavender, liquorice and sweet spice. The palate is supple yet beautifully structured, layering vibrant red and dark berry fruits over silky tannins and fresh acidity. Hints of garrigue, cracked pepper and earthy minerality build through the long, harmonious finish, reflecting the pedigree of this celebrated estate.

A superb companion to slow roasted lamb, Provençal beef daube, duck with olives or wild mushroom ragout. Enjoy with a generous decant today or cellar confidently over the next fifteen to twenty years as further complexity develops.