Generous dark plum with cinnamon and a whiff of clove lead the way for concentrated black plum flavours encased in dry tannic grip with still aggressive youthful acidity. There is plenty of fruit and overall structure to develop over the next few years. At this price, it is worth laying down.
The Côtes du Rhône-Villages appellation offers some of the best value in full-bodied dry red wines. This blend of Grenache and Syrah weighs in at a hefty 15% alcohol so expect a board-shouldered wine that’s ideal for your barbecued steaks and ribs. Dense purple-violet in colour, it offers a floral, spicy, blackberry nose with notes of licorice and tobacco; full on the palate, its richly extracted black plum flavour has a spicy, cinnamon finish carried on fresh acidity.
Clear medium to deep garnet. Medium intensity with nose of blackberry morphing to raisins with vanilla oak in the background. Soft and warm, the oak was applied with a light touch over plums and cherries. Went well with a New York strip grilled with Montreal spice. Drink now.
Deep salmon hued, this dry Côtes de Provence is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault. Grapes came from numerous clay and limestone studded plots in the heart of the Var, clustered within the communes of Cabasse sur Issole and Flassans sur Issole. Gently pressed, cool and in stainless (the typical Provencal formula), this is juicy, bright cherry, pomegranate, raspberry and orange on a crunchy frame. The attack is a bit punchy and the finish short, though is a worthy, refreshing pour this summer. Try with lightly spiced curry or aioli dipped seafood.
Nice to see the new (current) vintage on our shelves already of this likeable Savoie rosé, an expression of Gamay from limestone and clay. Also happy to see that the 2017 is back to the balanced loveliness of the 2015, with its lean, salted, fresh, herbal allure. A short time on skins lends the pale, pretty hue, while a slight time on lees comforts the palate. Lovely, elegant expression that could make a regular nightly experience at your dinner table (as it will mine).
Pale pink in colour with a bluish tint, this wine has a nose of pomegranate and red currants. Its medium-bodied, dry, pomegranate flavour is carried on lemony acidity with just a touch of residual sugar on the finish.
Pale salmon pink. Fresh fruity nose of crushed strawberry, light candy notes. Soft on the palate, tender acidity, clean fruity taste and a pleasantly round finish. Enjoy now. Good buy.