Xavier Vignon is one of the most prominent oenologists in the southern Rhône Valley. His 100% Côtes du Rhône, from a super-ripe vintage, is deep purple in colour with a spicy, blackberry and herb-tinged nose. It’s full-bodied and dry, richly extracted with sweet blackberry and black cherry flavours, balanced with acidity and held together structurally with ripe tannins. The perfect wine for winter casseroles.
Bordeaux’s Côtes de Bourg region offers some great value red wines. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, from an excellent vintage, is opaque purple in colour with a cedary-sandalwood nose of ripe plums. Medium-bodied and dry, it’s made in New World style. The flavours of plum and blackberry are delivered with a creamy mouth-feel. Perfect with lamb.
Deep ruby-purple in colour with a cedary, blackberry nose; medium to full-bodied, dry and savoury with a black plum flavour and lively, balancing acidity. Hold 5 years at least.
Bright, pale straw in colour with minerally, lemon and lemon blossom bouquet; light-bodied, crisply dry, beautifully balanced with a long finish. A top drawer Muscadet.
Fresh citrus and floral scents give way to rounded citrus and green apple on the palate with refreshingly balanced acidity, a lick of mineral and a touch of hazelnut on the finish. Straightforward but stylish, food-friendly wine.
A classic Bordeaux blend of 40% Semillon, 40% Sauvignon and 20% Muscadelle, this is a lively, aromatic wine showing floral and slightly wild green herbal character with typical grassy green fruit freshness. It is not as exuberant on the palate but nicely balanced with a smooth agreeable finish. Pair with shellfish, especially oysters on the half shell.
Offers fleshy ripe dark berry fruit with a pinch of peppery spice, medium weight on the palate, moderately firm tannins, fairly brisk acidity and a touch of dark chocolate on the finish.