Domaine des Senechaux Cotes du Rhone Reserve Rouge / 2024 / 750mL

The Domaine des Sénéchaux Côtes du Rhône Réserve Rouge 2024 is a warm, open-hearted southern Rhône red built on Grenache-led generosity rather than grip. Expect dark berry fruit, garrigue herbs and a peppery lift, all in a medium-bodied frame that drinks easily from the first glass.

The nose leads with crushed raspberry and blackberry, then fills out with dried thyme, wild rosemary and a touch of black olive. There is a savoury, sun-baked stone character underneath that keeps the fruit from tipping into sweetness, along with a twist of cracked pepper that is unmistakably Rhône Valley.

On the palate the wine is supple and rounded, with soft tannins and enough acidity to keep the mid-palate lively. Texture is the strength here — gently chewy, not heavy — and the finish carries a dry herbal edge that makes the next mouthful inevitable.

Pair it with lamb shoulder slow-roasted with garlic, a pork and fennel sausage ragù, ratatouille with crusty bread, or a board of hard sheep's milk cheeses. It also handles a barbecue well, particularly butterflied lamb or char-grilled capsicum and eggplant.

Drink the Côtes du Rhône Réserve Rouge 2024 now through to around 2029, with a short decant or a light chill on warmer days bringing out its freshness.