Some extra wines this week for those who are still dashing about stocking up for the festivities – and perhaps even more for those who haven’t even started.
2008 Jean Bourguignon Meursault
Good Meursault at an attractive price – all the more so when you buy two or more bottles. The fresh, tangy candied-citrus fruit is already hinting at the honey to come and the oak gives a nutty, delicately buttery richness in the background. 12.5% abv. Ready now – in fact delicious this Christmas or next.
£17.99 or £14.99 if you buy two or more bottles, Majestic
2009 Costero Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda, Chile
Bracingly fresh and mineral Chilean Sauvignon (better than a cold shower on Boxing Day morning?). It has an almost sea-salty edge to the grassy, lemony fruit and there’s just a hint of spice adding extra interest. The Leyda Valley seems to be able to do no wrong with Sauvignon at the moment. 13.5% abv.
£6.99, down from £8.74 until the end of January, Majestic.
2010 Stonebridge Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
It’s not hard to find New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at a fiver in the UK at present, but this one is better than many, though not to my taste as exciting as the Leyda (above). Crunchily fresh, herbal and nettly with ripe gooseberry fruit and a whisper of something textured and mineral. 13.5% abv.
£4.99, down from £9.99, until January 4, 2011, The Co-operative
Charles de Cazanove Champagne Brut NV
This doesn’t get points for elegance or subtlety, but it does get marks for character and ageing – and it’s at a knockdown price. Generously flavoured and proportioned with honeyed, biscuity and toasty flavours complemented by freshness. It’s 60% pinot noir and 15% each of pinot meunier and chardonnay. 12% abv.
£14.99, down from £29.99 until January 4, 2011, The Co-operative.
I can’t keep away from these 2009 Beaujolais – not that I’m trying to. This is vivid, ripe and mouthfilling, with cherry, spice, black-fruit and mineral flavours, and it has the tannin, acidity and depth of fruit to develop over five years, if you can resist drinking it now. 13% abv.
£12.49, or £9.99 when you buy two or more, Majestic