Château Maris, Savoir Vieillir Minervois, Languedoc Roussillon, France 2020

We wouldn't usually recommend a wine that's available only in 49 stores, but this Languedoc red was such a stunner that it had to feature. Château Maris is a well-known estate located in the La Livinière cru in the Languedoc. Situated at the foot of the Black Mountains, the family-owned vineyard of 45 hectares produces Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. This is unoaked Syrah, produced without the addition of sulphites, which will appeal to some drinkers who consider themselves sensitive to sulphur. Dark purple in colour, it's oozing with lively dark fruit, redcurrant, black cherry, blueberry and violet, with darker notes of graphite, and a twist of black pepper. Full-bodied but fresh, a great match for grilled meats.