All these are from a tasting I was supposed to be doing for James Nicholson in Northern Ireland in early May 2010 – it was postponed due to volcanic ash travel problems but is due to be rescheduled very soon…

(and it’s also a video I did in my office bunker, having been banished by the rest of the family from the lounge – hence the slightly odd lighting…)

Domaine Rives-Blanques Chardonnay Chenin Vin de Pays d’Oc 2008
Fresh and slightly yeasty, almost Mâcon-like in style, with appley notes (fresh and cooked), a touch of pear and a creamy finish. B

Domaine Gayda L’Archet Maccabeo Vin de Pays d’Oc 2006
Remarkably fresh for its age, with some peach/apricot edges reminiscent of Viognier, plus more exotic lychee and guava flavours, a yeasty note to the finish. B+

François Collard Fontaine du Roy Vin de Pays du Gard 2007
Not sure what the blend is but it’s pungent Viognier peachiness that leads the way, along with touches of pears, quince and herbs. Rich but the finish has a floral, zesty mineral edge to keep it fresh. S

Domaine Le Roc des Anges ‘Segna de Cor’ Côtes du Roussillon-Villages 2008
Lovely mix of ripeness and freshness. There’s voluptuous plummy berry flesh, but then the peppery violet and blackcurrant tang of Carignan kicks in. The result is precise and poised, with a slightly salty/briney edge to add further interest. S

Château du Vieux Parc Corbières La Sélection 2007
Another that manages to be both brainy and brawny, this shows the orange peel, plum and bacon fat of Syrah spiced up by smoky but never OTT new oak. Rich but lively, and with a lovely warm spiciness to the finish. S(-)

Domaine Gayda Chemin de Moscou Vin de Pays d’Oc 2007
Immensely classy wine, again with Syrah to the fore. There’s the same orange peel and plum of the Roc des Anges, but this packs in more damson, dark berry and herby meatiness, and feels the most coiled and brooding of these 3 reds. Classic G-