The Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2023 is a deep, polished Grenache-led red from the southern Rhône Valley, blending roughly 60% Grenache Noir with Syrah and Mourvèdre. Full-bodied but well mannered, it leans on plum fruit and fine spice rather than heat or heaviness.

Fully destemmed fruit gives the 2023 a clean, perfumed lift: red and black plum, crushed violets, licorice and a leafy, herbal edge that keeps the aromatics fresh. Air brings out warm baking spice and a faint toastiness sitting behind the fruit.

The palate carries a juicy core of dark berry fruit with real freshness running through the middle, and the tannins are firm and finely grained, framing rather than drying the finish. Texture is creamy and enveloping, with a savoury, peppery lift that lengthens the close.

Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic is the natural match, along with slow-cooked beef cheeks, duck ragù, mushroom risotto or a hard sheep's milk cheese. Give it an hour in a decanter if you are opening a bottle young.

Approachable now with decanting, this Châteauneuf-du-Pape should be at its best from around 2027 through to 2038, as the tannins settle and those leafy, spiced characters turn towards leather and dried herb.