2023 Reserve Mont Redon Cotes du Rhone, Northern Rhone

Réserve Mont Redon comes from the team behind Château Mont Redon, one of the historic names of Châteauneuf du Pape. The Abeille and Fabre families have guided the estate for generations, drawing on extensive vineyard holdings and deep experience across the Rhône. Although Château Mont Redon is based firmly in the Southern Rhône, this Côtes du Rhône is made as a more relaxed, immediately approachable expression of the house style.

Grenache and Syrah provide the core of the 2023, with Grenache supplying ripe red fruit and warmth while Syrah contributes darker berries, pepper and structure. The Mediterranean climate gives plenty of flavour, but good Côtes du Rhône should never feel cumbersome. Here the emphasis is on juicy fruit, supple tannin and enough savoury character to make reaching for a second glass dangerously easy.

Deep ruby crimson, with black cherry, raspberry and ripe plum followed by violet and cracked black pepper. Liquorice, fennel and black olive appear behind the fruit, joined by rosemary and a little earthy spice. The palate is generous and juicy, with red and dark fruit framed by fresh acidity and soft, easygoing tannins. Cherry, pepper and dried herbs linger through a warm, savoury finish.

Charred eggplant with tomato, chickpeas and tahini fits beautifully with the Mediterranean flavours, while lamb kofta, grilled chicken with olives, mushroom skewers or fennel sausages with white beans can take dinner in several directions. A big bowl of white beans slowly cooked with tomato, garlic and rosemary would be particularly hard to resist.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2031.