Moulin des Chênes, Lirac, Rhône, France, 2012

Lirac shares many of the geological and climatic qualities of its more illustrious neighbour across the river, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, although the Mistral wind blows a little less fiercly here. This is an attractively juicy and approachable wine, with vital red cherry fruit that slips down easily, with just a pinch of spice.