Cave des Vignerons d’Estézargues 2023 Côtes du Rhône Villages ($20.99)

Balanced and appetizing, Kermit Lynch Selections Côtes du Rhône Villages is a typical Southern Rhône blend of 58% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 3% Carignan, 3% Cinsault, 2% Mourvèdre, and 2% Counoise from vineyards averaging 40 years old. Scents of raspberries, plums, and a hint of black olives lead into a textured flavor, dry and properly acidic, with soft tannins and subtle floral and stony mineral hints in a long finish. Certified organic, the wine was naturally fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged 8 or 10 months in concrete vats, then bottled unfiltered with minimal added sulfur. 14.5% alcohol. U.S. importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, Calif. (July 19, 2025)

FOOD MATCH: Grilled steaks, juicy burgers, or roast chicken are this wine’s natural partners. Consider roasted vegetables or hearty mushroom or lentil dishes for a plant-based match; a Beyond or Impossible burger works just fine if that’s your style.

WHEN TO DRINK: There’s absolutely no rush to drink it up, but it’s not a likely candidate for cellaring. I would drink up the 2023 vintage this year and next.

VALUE:
This is a decent value across its range. Wine-Searcher.com shows a $19 average U.S. retail price, and I paid a dollar or two more, but many vendors offer it in the mid-teens.

WEB LINK:
Here’s the importer’s info page. Kermit Lynch provides more background information here.

FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Check prices and find vendors for Kermit Lynch Selections Côtes du Rhône Villages on Wine-Searcher.com.

Read about the Côtes du Rhône Villages and browse many wines and vendors at this Wine-Searcher link.

This Wine-Searcher link offers details about typical Southern Rhône red varietal blends.