Again, a moderately priced Southern Rhone which delivers. This time a 2017.

You have to love the style – this is a big, ripe and dark wine, not for the faint hearted. But while it’s hedonistic, it still remains in the savory territory, no New World sweetness here. It’s a tale about very ripe, almost baked Grenache fruit – prunes, fig jam jump out from the glass. Some strawberry jam and mint add interest. Full bodied, opulently rich, fills every corner of the mouth. Remarkable concentration here. Nice, firm tannins on the slightly hot finish. It reminds me to the St. Cosme reds with its very ripe and generous nature, though it’s a smoother style. This is about indulgence, not elegance, but hey, what an enjoyable drink.