France

Rhone Valley, France. 100% Syrah Bright red berry/raspberry scented fruit with plenty of crushed black pepper notes. Medium-body, with bright acidity. Good versatile, everyday Crozes...

Rhone Valley, France. 100% Syrah from 60 years old vines This single plot covers 10 hectares. The wine is aged half in new and half in second fill barrel, and is correspondingly denser and more powerful than its generic sibling. Christmas cake aromas underline the ripeness, but on the palate the tannins are subtle and persuasive...

Chablis, France. ‘This is really quite pretty with its ripe and fresh pear, green fruit and iodine scents. The supple and very round middle weight flavors possess an attractive texture before culminating in a saline-infused, pure and balanced finish. This is one of those wines that could easily be enjoyed now but should also reward a few years of cellar time if desired.’

Chablis, France. ‘There is good ripeness to the floral, pear and mineral reduction aromas that precede the fleshy, forward and round flavors that are already approachable. This clean, dry and lemony effort should drink well immediately.’

Muscadet, France. Green apple and lime zest mix with preserved lemons on the zesty nose; the mouth is clean, crisp and refreshing, with a bit more juice and body, but finishes with a sensation of citrus and salt...

Sancerre, France. ‘Delaporte’s 2019 Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc displays the low yields with its laser - like precision, crisp, fresh, intense melony notes and hints of grapefruit and orange zest. Medium - bodied with good minerality and freshness, this 5,000 - case cuvee was aged totally in stainless steel tanks. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years.’

Rhone Valley, France. This is the only Beaumes de Venice to be made from a high proportion of Muscat Noir. This imparts the wine with its deep colour. ‘ The Bernadins style of Beaumes de Venise falls at the more unctuous end of the spectrum, with notes of orange, apricot, molasses, figs and its subtle gingery backdrop making it an ideal partner fruit based desserts.’

Rhone Valley, France. This is the only Beaumes de Venice to be made from a high proportion of Muscat Noir. This imparts the wine with its deep colour. ‘ The Bernadins style of Beaumes de Venise falls at the more unctuous end of the spectrum, with notes of orange, apricot, molasses, figs and its subtle gingery backdrop making it an ideal partner fruit based desserts.’

Beaujolais, France.  At first sniff but blue flowers, cherry fruit, kirsch, cinnamon, clove are all there, too. Some tannin from the outset, with structure to a very vivid, supple red-fruit pulp feel. Bit of grip. Acidity is good, structure neat and overall picture is vibrant and easy. So much great-value drinking in this...

Beaujolais, France. Bit of raspberry compote pippiness here, floral. Bright on nose and entry, This is summer pudding but not sweet; spice, a really nice, brambly tannin feel. Surprising tannin. Delicious...