Domaine des Escaravailles: Cairanne La Boutine 2023

Quite some development. The first hints of tertiary notes, i.e. forest floor on the nose, which is dark and quite ripe. Bold on the palate with cassis, blackberries and a solid tannic backbone. It’s rich but that can’t compensate for the lack of vigor, it’s a bit flabby and port-like. Not bad, but neither convincing. 85 points, 26,50€.

Lidl’s Séguret Les Aumoniers Cotes Du Rhone Villages 2025

A supermarket red that always delivers. I prefer this without a question. The 2025 is a textbook CdR Villages with its dark, ripe fruits, slightly creamy texture and great, firm tannins, but this vintage is more focused, more tight and more elegant than its predecessors. It combines the typical black fruits with freshness. Tightly coiled, waiting to unfurl, but already lovely at this stage. While not as concentrated as well-known 10€ bottlings like the Perrin (which is great) or the Chapoutier, it is a complete wine, absolutely authentic and enjoyable. 87-88 points, best value for 5-6€, buy by the case! Drink now – 2032.