Quelle surprise! All three wines are being shown at the Wine Gang Christmas Fair on 6 November at Vinopolis in London, TicketSoup: http://bit.ly/bP3aIh . And they’re all red and Rhônish – must be something to do with the darker evenings once the clocks go back tomorrow.
2008 Dolines de l’Hortus, Coteaux du Languedoc
Full and ripe, but beautifully elegant syrah/grenache blend made at the excellent Domaine l’Hortus 25km north of Montpelier. Aromatic blueberry fruit, stony syrah flavours, supple texture and a fine, dry finish. 13% abv. (Worth noting that Berry Bros & Rudd sells the excellent Bergerie de l’Hortus, a blend which includes mourvèdre, from the same stable).
£9.49, Laithwaites
2007 Domaine des Saumades, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
A very fragrant, stylish 100% grenache Châteauneuf from an excellent vintage. Herb-garden scents, cherry and dark chocolate flavours and a backbone of fine-grained tannins with a balance of delicate acidity. Delicious now or anytime over the next seven years. 14.5% abv.
£20.40, Berry Bros & Rudd.
Being shown on the Sopexa stand at The Wine Gang Christmas Wine Fair.
2007 Mayu Syrah Reserva, Elqui, Chile
Smoky and gamey with sweet, fresh raspberry fruit, lots of Rhône-like crushed black peppercorn flavours and well-balanced rich, chocolaty oak. Great value. 14% abv.
£8.97, Asda; £11.24, or £8.99 if you buy 2 or more from November 2nd, Majestic
Being shown on the Wines of Chile stand at The Wine Gang Christmas Wine Fair.
