A fabulous value from Costières de Nîmes, an earthy/savoury Grenache blend with predominant notes of smoked/roasted meat (even a whiff of bacon) and local herbs, and so very much a product of the region. The fruit is a bit suppressed, but there's fig and other darker fruit in there, as well as raspberry, with added complexity, and warmth, coming from cinnamon and pepper. Unfortunately, it ends fairly quickly on the palette, the flavours just evaporating, replaced with a mild astringency, but this is still a very absorbing wine that points to what Grenache can achieve in this part of the world.

An easy-drinking Costières de Nîmes red. Red fruits, supported by hints of herbs, olives and pepper. Fine authenticity (terroir, baby, terroir!). Yeah, it's a bit short on the finish but exactly the kind of wine it is meant to be - pure pleasure.

Very decent Grenache-based blend for the price. Tasted June 2015.