Wednesday Wines – Episode 281 – Jeroboams at 40
It was a lovely celebration, packed with delicious wines and hundreds of wine lovers. Last night, Jeroboams celebrated 40 years by hosting a wine tasting/party in The Banking Hall in Cornhill, in the City. I remember visiting a branch of ‘Jeros’ in Bute Street (the first branch) in 1987. I am two years short of 40 in the wine trade, and this brilliant wine business has been a constant and subtly ever-evolving soundtrack in my life. To celebrate this anniversary, Jeroboams selected 120 wines that went some way to telling this 40-year vinous journey in taste! I will be highlighting my favourites over the next few weeks and months, but when I woke up this morning and flicked through the tasting booklet, there was one wine that stood out above all others, for its flavour, fascination, seasonal accuracy and, most importantly, extraordinary value for money.
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2022 Château de Montfrin, à la rêverie, Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge, France (£18.95, Jeroboams).
This is a spectacular red wine and one of the most evocative and downright delicious Rhône blends I have tasted in years. Grenache-based, with hints of Syrah and Carignan, ‘à la rêverie’ is a modern, bright, lusty red, with no traces of over-ripeness or unnecessary oak interference. In fact, it is as expressive and plush as any Grenache I have tasted this year (and that includes a raft of epic Aussies in preparation for 100 Best Australian Wines 2026). Packed with dark fruit and exotic mulberry and damson details with lovely spice, earth and florals, the perfume is superb and the palate even more enticing. It finishes crisp and energetic, making it absolutely on point right now. Given the price, this ought to be an immediate purchase for everyone who reads this review. It will be your failsafe and joyous red wine for all autumnal and wintry entertaining this year! As the name suggests – ‘here’s to daydreams’, and while this is a lovely sentiment, this wine is a reality! 18/20 (Drink now – 2027)