Domaine de Verquière, Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu, Rhône, France 2020

Stunning fragrance. The warmth of summer coming through your glass, the scented garden - between lavender and rose and then really ripe strawberries laced with some heady spice. It’s really scented, complex and alluring. Very attractive, rather like the farm setting of this domaine which was brought to life in 1928 by the great-grandfather of current owner Thibaut Chamfort. 45 organic hectares certified since 2014, the result here is plump, voluptuous fruit tied together with a thread of fine grippy tannin. It’s impressive. To showcase the wine’s plushness I’m pairing it with a cottage pie. At this level, alongside a good price for the quality in the glass, this wine really shows, rather than just being burly and big in an obvious manner, seductive scents and fragrance are all part of the charm. And in this case, it’s proving irresistible.