A named villages Cotes du Rhone from Lidl, and it is great value as usual. It’s even a bit cheaper than previous vintages – at least in Hungary -, I don’t even know how is that even possible. And as I have experience with the wine (see the 2018 here) I can confidently say it can be aged for up to 7 years, and it may improve a bit with time.
syrah
Beautiful syrah: Les Jarlotiers Saint-Joseph 2024
Les Jarlotiers is a brand exclusive to Vinatis and it consists of six Rhone Valley wines. I found the Syrah 2024 and the Crozes-Hermitages 2024 of the lineup both quite unripe, while the cheap Cotes du Rhone 2024 amazed me, it’s a standout for its category and price. The Saint-Joseph is a step up in price (15€) but also in quality – a fascinating syrah.
Some Wendouree reds from 2023
The likelihood of being able to taste wines from legendary producer Wendouree outside Australia is close to zero. But I’m fortunate enough to have a Hungarian-born friend in Sydney who visits Budapest (where I live) every year and as he is a Wendouree-fan, he always brings a few bottles each time. Continue reading
Cru quality Cotes du Rhone: Saint Cosme 2023
I bought Saint Cosme wines every year around 2010 and really loved the producer – I even visited them in 2013 which was a great experience. Then I somehow missed many vintages so I was happy to re-visit them again – and what a return! This basic cuvée was always great value but the current vintage is next level. I need to buy more!
Rhone reds from Lidl
I’m a big grenache fan and sadly there aren’t many available on the Hungarian market, so I was happy to see new Southern Rhone reds popping up in Lidl recently. I cannot say they impressed me, though.
Yalumba Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
I’m sure that many wine lovers will rate this Yalumba higher and indeed it has the depth of a serious wine, yet it failed to impress me.
Yalumba Y Series Shiraz & Viognier 2019
Penfolds Rawson’s Retreat Shiraz Cabernet 2021
The cheapest Penfolds wine I think, and it’s usually quite good. I liked the 2019 more, but this 2021 is not far behind…
Pure pleasure: Ferraton Père & Fils La Tournée Rouge 2020
Just a €7 syrah-grenache from the Languedoc, but so enjoyable that I’m tempted to call it the wine of the month.
Great Rhone Cru: Domaine Brusset Les Travers Cairanne 2020
It’s not the first time when a Brusset red amazes me. A top producer in the Southern Rhone for sure.









