Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de la Charbonniere 2022

This is Charbonnière's signature cuvée, made from a mix of their best vineyards across Châteauneuf. Dominated by Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre rounding things out, it's rich and full-bodied with layers of dark fruit - think blackcurrant and fig - with a backdrop of liquorice, fruitcake, and a hint of black tea smoke. Bold black fruit takes centre stage, balanced by indulgent chocolate notes and a subtle peppery kick from the Grenache. Long and well-structured, this as complex as it is smooth.

Great with lamb tagine, ratatouille or herb-crusted chops - its dark fruit and spice work well with bold, savoury flavours. Drinking well now, but will only improve.

Domaine de la Charbonnière has been a family owned and run estate since its establishment in 1912 by Eugene Maret and is situated in the heart of the southern Rhône just outside the town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape itself. Michel Maret took over the reins in 1973 and is currently in the process of handing over to his two daughters, Véronique who looks after winemaking operations and Caroline who oversees commercial operations. Their main vineyard holdings are in Châteauneuf-du-Pape from where they make some impressive red cuvées each from different parcels of land together with a white which is one of the best in the region. The also have a small vineyard in nearby Vacqueyras from where they produce an excellent and great value for money red. In all their wines have a reputation for excellent balance combined with a real intensity and depth of fruit character.