France – Red – 2008
Region: Rhone
Producer: Cellier des Dauphins
Label: Saint Maurice
Grapes: 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Brick red in colour with aromas of a vegetal or forest floor hummus. Medium bodied with decent length and finish and a smooth, slightly matt texture. Flavours of blackberry and raspberry. A very pleasant and interesting wine; good value at this price.
M&S £5.99
France – Red – 2007
Region: Coteaux du Languedoc
Producer: Domaine Clavel
Label: Le Mas
A blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah. Farmyard and floral aromas and a fairly dry but meaty medium-bodied mouthfull. Interesting flavours of cherry, plum jam and old cheddar. A good wine with a lot of character; will definitely be buying again.
Waitrose £7.99
France – Red – 2006
Region: Rhone – Lirac
Producer: Domain du Joncier
Label: Le Classique
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Cinsault, this is a fairly dark wine with a purple tinge. It’s full bodied with a smooth texture. Aromas of berry fruit and licorice, flavour had a pleasntly jammy character and sight peppery spice. A really good drink, would definitely buy again.
Waitrose £9.49
France – Red – 2007
Region: Cotes du Rhone
Producer: Charmasson
Label: Plan de Dieu
Dark red, approaching a purple hue at the edge of the glass. Aromas of cherry and blackberry. Medium body, soft acidity and a smooth texture. Black cherry and blackberry flavours. Blended from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Although pleasant enough, didn’t find it to be an overly complex or interesting wine, will give it a miss in future in preference for something hopefully a bit more worthy.
Majestic £7.49
France – Red – 2007
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Label: Les Vignes de Bila-Haut
Producer: M. Chapoutier
Ruby red in colour; deep blackcurant nose with game and mineral, perhaps granite overtones. A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, this is an interesting and pleasant wine with flavours of blackcurrant, raspberry, cherry and a hint of marmite. Medium bodied, firm acidity and moderate vegetal tannins.
Booths £6.99
