Côtes-du-Rhône, Maison Les Alexandrins, France, 2021

This is a classic expression of Côtes-du-Rhône and I love it for being so.  It's largely Grenache from the Southern Rhone with 40% Syrah from the north.  It's hot and spicy with bags of fruit - raspberry, blackberry and black cherry.  It's smooth and supple but unmistakably French in style ..... no jaminess, just a proper characterful, food friendly Côtes-du-Rhône (that I'd happily enjoy a glass of without food as well).