Duo des Mers Sauvignon-Viognier 2015, Vin de France (£5.95 The Wine Society) A really nice crisp cheapie, has the zip and zest of Sauvignon bolstered by some fleshier Viognier which gives a hint (as opposed to a slosh) of nutty peachy character. Garlicky prawns please… B(+)
France
Blind Spot Pinot Noir 2014, Yarra Valley, Australia (was £9.50 The Wine Society) Soft, gentle, quite mature and very moreish, this is made by the talented Mac Forbes, whose wines seem to have retained the freshness they’ve always had, but now seem to offer a little more joie de vivre. […]
Pinot Noirs from Australia, Austria & France
Etoile de Mer Luberon Rosé 2015, Rhône, France (£8.99 Majestic) Smart presentation, and smart wine to match. Pale in colour, but packs in the red berry and herb flavours, but finishes in crisp and precise fashion. Would drink a lot of this at a barbecue. B Delaire Graff Cabernet […]
Two Pale & Interesting Rosés
Slightly tardy in some of posting these but got there in the end… Domaine Cheysson ‘L’Exception’ Beaujolais Blanc 2014, Burgundy, France (£13.99 Laithwaites) There’s and almost salty tangy to this wine, which is crisp, brisk and reminds me more of Burgundies from further north. Taut citrus, light peach, very tasty […]
A raft of Chardonnays
Have to say that I prefer the Sauvignons from these two domaines… Denis Jamain ‘Les Pierres Plates’ Reuilly Rouge 2013, Loire, France (£14.95 Berry Bros & Rudd) 2013 wasn’t the best of vintages in the Loire, and while there’s OK red fruit flavours here, this is just a little fey […]
Two Pinot Noirs from the Loire Valley
After yesterday’s white duo, here are five red gems from southern France – does anywhere in the world offer better value? Domaine Bertrand-Bergé Fitou ‘Origines’ 2013, Languedoc, France (£7.95 The Wine Society) Gentle herby ripe berry and plum, tangy and lifted flavours, very easy to drink, but with some earthy […]