Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape V.V. 2020

Domaine de Marcoux sits in the southern Rhône at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, an estate with roots reaching back a thousand years and five generations of growers, certified organic by Ecocert since 1991. The old-vine cuvee is led by Grenache with Mourvèdre, grown on the appellation's mix of galets roules, sand and clay, the large stones holding daytime heat and pushing the grapes to full ripeness. That ripeness shows in the alcohol, which reaches 16 percent here, balanced by the wine's depth of fruit and savoury structure. Grenache brings sweet red and black cherry and a peppery, herbal garrigue character, while Mourvèdre adds darker plum, leather and the grip that lets the wine age. Ageing in wood softens the tannins and knits the blend together. Expect a deep ruby colour, a nose of ripe cherry, plum, dried thyme, liquorice and black pepper, and a broad, warming palate that finishes long and spiced. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It is a natural match for roast lamb, beef and slow-cooked game.