Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire Brut

France – Sparkling White – 12.5%

Region: Loire

Producer: Gratien & Meyer

Label: Crémante de Loire

Grapes: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc

Pale yellow with foaming bubbles, very little aroma.  Pleasantly mouth-filling bubbles, somewhat dry with crisp acidity but little length or finish.  The bubbles dominate in the mouth, reminiscent of ginger ale with perhaps a slight taste of apple.  Certainly very good value for a sparkling wine, preferable to cava and not objectionable but with very little to commend it, would likely buy it again for a picnic or afternoon guzzle but would spend a bit more if sharing with friends.

Monoprix (France)  €5.88

Vieux Remparts Lussac-St Emilion 2007

France – Red – 2007

Region: Bordeaux

Dark ruby red with aromas of red berry fruit and smoke.  Full bodied with a slightly matt texture.  Much of the taste to the front of the mouth and the finish is not as long as one would hope for.  Pleasant although not complex flavours of forest fruit in a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  Purchased this at a third off which was OK but couldn’t say that the regular price represents good value.

Majestic  £9.99

Chateau de L’Abbaye de Saint Ferme Bordeaux 2000

France – Red – 2000

Region: Bordeaux

Producer: A. de Raignae Viticulture

Label: Chateau de L’Abbaye de Saint Ferme

Merlot 40%, Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Cabernet Franc 20%.  A welcoming deep red colour with a tinge of brick.  Red berry fruit aromas with blackcurrant to the fore as well as a slight sawdust character.  Full bodied, mouth watering flavours of berry, currants and plum.  When first opened, flavours and texture were quite harsh but smoothed nicely a couple hours after decanting.  Pleasant drinking and reasonable value.

Majestic  £6.99