Wines of the Week 6 May 2011
A couple of highlights from Majestic’s summer tasting in London.
2010 Nathalie Lafond, Reuilly Cuvée Nathalie, Loire, France
Reuilly is always worth looking out for as a cheaper alternative to nearby Sancerre and 2010 is a textbook vintage for all these Central Loire sauvignon blanc appellations. This is a new cuvée using Lafond’s best grapes. It has a delicious spicy, minerally character and grassy, herbal, green-apple fruit with real depth, texture and tang. 12.5% abv.
£9.99, or £8.99 if you buy 2 or more bottles, Majestic.
2008 Descendientes de J Palacio, Pétalos Bierzo, Spain
This shows just how good north-west Spain’s mencía grape can be in the right hands. Deep in colour, succulent and full, but also refined and elegant, with spicy, herby, sweet-blackberry fruit, touches of dark chocolate and licorice, and supple tannins leading to a fresh, polished finish. 14% abv.
£15.99, or £12.99 if you buy 2 or more bottles, Majestic.
