Medium-deep purple-ruby colour. Notes of stewed fruit, black cherry, toasty oak, with meaty-leathery undertones. The palate mouthfeel is dry, medium acidity and tannin of a velvety feel. The alcohol is well-balanced and the wine has a medium weight. Flavours of currant, sour cherry and toastiness come through. Medium length.

Overall, this is a good quality wine and very good if you consider the on-sale price of $14.95. The wine improves if enjoying on the second day, where the black currant note os accentuated and a pleasant bit delicate lilac bud emerges.

A New Year’s ‘steak n’ potato’ dinner was a great match with this southern Rhone wine. Bbq thick cut ribsteak, sweet potato and sauteed brocolini.

This Grenache blend is pleasing black currant and black pepper on the nose and the red plum note emerges with more time in the glass. The palate is dry with a touch of acidity and abundant but silky tannin. The flavours are plum and black pepper spice. A short length, but pleasing finish. Great to dive right back into another bite.

Good value overall, and priced well at $19.

Not a wine to enjoy over two days unless you like the peppery notes – they seem to get more pronounced.