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Vignobles Jeanjean Mas Neuf Pays d’Oc Muscat Sec 2014, Languedoc, France (£9.99 Majestic) Sprightly young style, with grapey intensity but also notes of apple, citrus and Gewürz-like lychee and spice. Very tasty. B+ Domaine d’Aupilhac Coteaux du Languedoc Blanc ‘Les Cocalières’ 2014, France (£14.95 The Wine Society) Rich, heady, exotic […]

Two white wines from southern France


Delaire Graff Estate Shiraz 2013, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£9.99 31dover.com) Juicy young style showing sweet spicy berry and plum fruit, a savoury/tomato-like character and a touch of chocolate on the finish. Rich but always fresh, good for a few years to come. S- Mont Rochelle Syrah 2008, Franschhoek, South Africa […]

South African Syrah – or is it Shiraz?


Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 2014, Burgundy, France (£14.99 Campbell Moore, Hailsham Cellars, directwines.co.uk, Bablake Wines, The Mount Bay Wine Co, Bon Coeur, Edward Beer & Wine, Bakers and Larners of Holt, Hennings Fine Wines) Has the classic Chablis combo of richness and leanness, with the bracing citrus and apple (fresh and cooked) […]

Two White Burgundies



Viña Ventisquero Root 1 Carmenère 2013, Colchagua, Chile (£7.99 Morrisons) Toasty chocolatey aromas, then bold blackberry and cassis, with an exotic edge of coffee bean. Good, but maybe a touch too medicinal for greatness. B(-) Casa Silva Los Lingues Carmenère 2013, Colchagua, Chile (£14.95 The Derbyshire Wine Co, Bayley & […]

Two Carmenères from Chile


Same grape, quite different wines Marchesi Di Gresy Langhe Sauvignon 2013, Piedmont, Italy (£16.95 WineTrust.co.uk) Good mix of richness and freshness, with ripe apples and gooseberry flavours set against sappy, herby citrus and stony notes. Very attractive style, but needs food – Dover sole? S- Longavi Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Leyda […]

Sauvignon Blanc from Piedmont, Italy and Leyda, Chile


Vadiaperti Greco di Tufo 2014, Campania, Italy (£14.50 Haynes Hanson & Clark) Bruised green apple (fresh and baked) and citrus flavours pepped up by notes of sage and fennel, plus a finish that combines a smoky nuance with stony minerality – think volcanic aromas… S- Vadiaperti Fiano di Avellino 2014, […]

Two whites from Vadiaperti in Campania