Lirac, Moulin des Chenes 2023

This isn't one that shouts for attention; instead, it gently whispers of garrigue herbs, black cherries, and a touch of liquorice. Honest and earthy, it reflects the Southern Rhône's rustic charm with a silky texture, ripe fruit, and fine tannins. Subtle spice lingers on the finish. Made from old vines, some over 50 years, rooted in sandy soils and the region's galets roulés, it's crafted with minimal intervention - wild yeast fermentation and aging in concrete and seasoned oak. Biodynamic practices further enhance its connection to the terroir. If you prefer quiet complexity over bold up-front fruit, this'll be up your street.

Enjoy the sun-drenched spice and ripe berry charm of this now and through to 2025, ideally alongside a hearty lamb stew flavoured with rosemary and thyme.

The Bréchet brothers, Laurent and Julien, are well-versed in the language of the Southern Rhône. Château de Vaudieu, their Chateauneuf-du-Pape flagship, speaks volumes. But when they caught wind of some prime Lirac plots, well, their ears pricked up. Lirac, if you're not familiar, sits across the Rhône from Chateauneuf. Think of it as the slightly unruly younger brother. Same ancient soils strewn with those iconic galet stones, same sun-drenched hours, yet a fraction of the fame - and price.