Château Saint-Roch, Lirac Cuvée Confidentielle Rouge, 2022

Château Saint-Roch Lirac Confidentielle Rouge is a bold, characterful red that shows off its southern Rhône roots with real flair. Deep purple in the glass, it opens with fragrant notes of violet, followed by generous layers of ripe plum, warming spice, and a touch of dark chocolate. On the palate, it’s rich and full-bodied with a chewy texture and a long, satisfying finish.

It’s drinking beautifully now but has the structure to develop nicely over the next five or six years. A great match for hearty dishes or just a glass to savour slowly.

The grapes come from high-elevation vineyards on the limestone slopes of Saint Géniès, where the altitude and old vines help produce intensely flavoured fruit. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak barrels, adding depth and polish without overpowering the fruit.