2023 Domaine La Barroche Julien Barrot Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone

From old-vine Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre rooted in galets roulés and sand, this Châteauneuf-du-Pape captures the sun‑drenched intensity of the Southern Rhône while remaining surprisingly poised. Low yields and careful extraction keep the wine vivid and energetic rather than heavy, letting the estate’s old parcels speak with clarity and depth.

In the glass it shows a deep, lustrous ruby with purple highlights. The nose is generous and intricate: black cherry liqueur, macerated raspberries and damson plum weave with dried thyme, lavender, licorice, cracked pepper and a hint of smouldering embers. The palate is plush yet focused, saturated with dark berry compote, blackberry and blood orange over savoury notes of olive tapenade and graphite. Fine, ripe tannins wrap around the fruit, and a line of freshness carries through to a long finish of cocoa, dried herbs and warm stones.

This is a natural partner for slow‑cooked, deeply flavoured dishes: think seven‑hour lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic, wild boar ragù piled over pappardelle, or venison pie rich with porcini. It’s glorious with Moroccan lamb tagine studded with apricots and almonds, or a cassoulet loaded with duck confit and Toulouse sausage. For something more offbeat, pour it alongside charred aubergine with tahini and pomegranate, or a truffled mushroom and aged Comté gratin that plays to the wine’s earthy, umami side.