Fruity nose of blackcurrants, charcoal, blueberries and sage. Medium- to full-bodied with soft and integrated tannins. I like the mineral, ashy undertones. Drink now. Screw cap.

A small proportion of this rounded wine has been wood aged. That has produced some fine tannins aligned with the berry flavors. It is a fruity and ripe Merlot-dominated wine, full of juicy acidity at the end.

Redcurrants, red cherries, ceps and white pepper on the nose. Meaty and juicy on the palate, with a medium body, sleek tannins and tasty earthy elements. Drink now. Screw cap.

A great little value, the 2021 Vin De France Grenache is a juicy, pure Grenache offering wonderful raspberry and strawberry fruits as well as some peppery garrigue notes. Medium-bodied, balanced, charming, and just undeniably delicious, it’s about as good a bistro wine as there is. Drink it over the coming couple of years.

This well-made Cotes-du-Rhone has attractive red-fruit aromas, but also some meaty depth. Generous body and appealing roundness on the palate, the gently dry tannins giving it some backbone at the surprisingly long finish. A blend based on grenache and syrah. Drink now.

A nicely polished and relatively soft red with ripe tannins and purple fruit. It’s medium-bodied. Fresh at the end. Nicely done.

A light-to medium-bodied red with aromas of ripe cherry, red plum, nutmeg and some bubblegum. Light tannins, bright acidity and a fruity finish.

All old vine Carignan, the 2019 Côtes Catalanes Tessellae from Jean-Marc Lafage offers a beautifully pure nose of red and blue fruits, brambly herbs, violets, and leather. This carries to a medium to full-bodied red with silky tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It has impressive purity as well as elegance and is going to keep for 2-4 years.

This is fruit-forward with ripe raspberries and blackberries, as well as hints of dried herbs and orange peel. Medium- to full-bodied with sleek, glossy texture and grainy tannins. Vivid acidity and a flavorful finish.

Fruity nose with cherries, raspberries, crushed strawberries and sweet spices. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy, fruity and playful with a lively finish.

Black berry fruit, rosemary and paprika on the nose. Savory and tangy with a medium body, soft tannins and fresh, earthy finish. Cabernet sauvignon. Drink now.

Owned by a member of the French supermarket Leclerc family, this estate in the Entre-deux-Mers has produced a smooth wine that is polished from new wood, while also having layers of intense black-currant fruits. It is rich although fresh acidity counterbalances the density. Drink from 2022.

A fruity red with aromas of currants, dried herbs, grilled meat and licorice. Medium body with fine tannins. It’s velvety and supple with a core of berries and chocolate at the center and a fresh finish.

This offers up so much black- cherry and dark-plum character. It's really juicy and finely grained with pretty acidity and a very well- positioned center palate. Chewy finish.

A juicy red with plums and dried berries, as well as some dried flowers and walnut undertones. It’s full and flavorful with a smoky aftertaste. Give this a year or two to come together. Try after 2023.

Stacks of spice, dried Mediterranean herbs and a touch of leather on the nose. Bold, structured and lively, this is an impressive wine for the humble appellation. Long harmonious finish with good complexity. A cuvee of grenache, syrah and carignan from vines that are over 50-years-old. Drink or hold.

A concentrated and graceful red, offering ripe currant and cherry coulis notes intertwined with rose petal, mineral and anise accents. Details of garrigue, baking spice and brooding mineral create depth through the finish. Moderate, supple tannins. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2025. 3,500 cases made, 250 cases imported.

A complete wine, this offers balanced tannins and smoky dark fruits. Acidity and spice from wood aging add to the complexity and potential.

Blackberry and blueberry with chocolate and spice character. Medium body, medium chewy tannins. Slightly hollow in the middle palate, but should fill in nicely.

Savory plums and cranberries with orange zest and baking spices. This is tight but smooth on the palate, showing some red-berry fruit at the end. Well balanced.