Cellar notes #32: And in the red corner

Anthony Rose
Saturday 08 May 2004 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

If white vins de pays tend to be everyday wines to be drunk young, many of the reds will age for anything from two to five years. Overall, the most promising were those made in the Rhône-style in the south of France from the syrah or other Mediterranean blends. Winner of the Rhône-style blend was the 2000 La Croix Chevalière, £15.55- £18.01, Luvians, St Andrew's and Fife (01334 477752), Abbey Wines Melrose (01896 823224), www.bibendum-wine.co.uk. This richly spiced, blackberry-infused, limited edition was the brainchild of winemaker Yves Barry, whose aim was to create a Languedoc red that could stand against some of the great names of the wine world. Tragically, Barry was killed in a car crash earlier this year.

Olivier Mandeville's vibrantly fruity, claret-like 2001 Peirière Cabernet Sauvignon, Fûts de Chêne, Vin de Pays d'Oc, £7.95, Roger Harris Wines, Norfolk (01603 880171) took the cabernet sauvignon award. Bordeaux blend trophy went to the sumptuously rich and stylish, merlot-dominated 1999 La Colline de Vignelaure, Domaine Vignelaure, Vin de Pays des Coteaux du Verdon, £20.25 bottle/case, James Nicholson, Crossgar, Northern Ireland (028 4483 0091info@jnwine.com).

Top among an excellent showing of the pinot noirs was the 2002 Domaine Lalande Pinot Noir, Vin de Pays d'Oc, from Domaines Languedociens, £6.69, Laithwaites (0870 4448383). This delightfully aromatic, delicate style with the intense red berry flavours of a red burgundy is made by Australian Richard 'Ozzy' Osborne.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in