FESTIVE DRINKS CHEER
I've been to a lot of the trade press tastings this year and I have to say I've been generally very impressed with the wines that are on offer in terms of both quality and price. Naturally there are some complete stinkers but at the £10 plus level there's some real good stuff out there.
These are my festive recommendations so we're not going cheap, but I think all these do provide good value.
FROMM CLAYVIN VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2005
£26.99 Virgin Wines Drinker rating 83
Pinot noir works well on Christmas day, this has a good fruit backbone, raspberry and redcurrant, balanced with some complex gamey notes, it's maturing well (and will continue for a few years yet).
WINDING RIVER RIVANER RIESLING 2008
£4.99 Marks and Spencer Drinker rating 80
A lovely off dry riesling, this is a really good aperetif wine, have one as the guests arrive. Good acidity and really good varietal character, perfumed, aromatic and fruity.
THE SOCIETY'S ROSÉ VIN DE PAYS D'OC
£5.75 The Wine Society Drinker rating 85
A real good vale pink-un. Light, refreshing, fruity, easy drinking. Good stuff for the party season.
DOMAINE FONT DE MICHELLE 2007 CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE
£22.99 Waitrose Drinker rating 81
Full deep, peppery, rich, a serious wine for Christmas. Full of depth and complexity, full alcohol, subtle layers of flavour.
Saint romain 2007
£10.99 Waitrose Drinker rating 81
Elegant, complex, beautiful. Good body and moderately oaked. It's deep and crisp and even.
