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Slideshow
Top 10 wines in the UK press
David & Benjamin Duclaux, La Germine Côte-Rôtie, Rhône 2007
In The Observer, David Williams wrote: “I get cravings for this type of Syrah, and it can be satisfied by the numerous supple supermarket own-labels from the largest of the northern Rhône’s appellations, Crozes-Hermitage (Asda, M&S) made by the very good local co-operative Cave de Tain, or by Michel Chapoutier’s deeper, meatier example (Crozes-Hermitage 2011, £13.99 if you buy 2, majestic.co.uk).”
In describing this wine he added: “But if I were having, say, a Hawksmoor Porterhouse rather than a Café Rouge minute steak, I’d go for the Duclaux, a haunting mix of brambly berries and iron-in-the-blood-like minerals. (£32.10, vinetrail.co.uk).”
Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne, NV
Williams also picked out this wine, writing: “Not just the best of the champagne brands with Heidsieck in their name, Charles is currently making some of the best non-vintage champagnes full stop. This is fabulously rich and biscuity but harmonious, its vanilla creamy intensity illuminated by the fine streak of acidity. (from £36, Exel Wines; Fortnum & Mason; Selfridges; Harrods; Harperwells; Hedonism Wines; Philglas & Swiggot; Corks Out; Wined Up Here).”
2006 Vat 1 Hunter Sémillon, Tyrrell’s
Hamish Anderson picked out this wine in the Daily Telegraph, writing: “First produced in 1963, this is an Australian legend. I have tasted many old vintages and rarely had a duff one. Only released aged (usually five years), it is extraordinarily complex, with flavours of toasted nuts, wax, butter and lemon peel, to name a few. It will happily develop further over the next 20 years. (£27.50, Wine Society).”
Yalumba Old Bush Vine Grenache 2012
This recommendation was made by Susy Atkins in the Daily Telegraph. She wrote: “Highly fruity, ripe and juicy, soft and mellow, with raspberries and Victoria plums, and a milk-chocolate layer. One for duck. (Morrisons, £12.99, down to £11.49 until 1 December).”
2012 La Grille, Touraine Sauvignon, Paul Buisse
In the Daily Mail, Matthew Jukes described this as “a wonderfully tangy, lemon and pea shoot-scented white bristling with energy and bright acidity.”
He added: “Touraine is home to some of the most vital and refreshing sauvignons in the world and La Grille is a superb example of a captivating aperitif white. (£7.99, reduced to £6.99 each if you buy two bottles, until 3 February, Majestic).”
2011 L’Etoile de Begude, Chardonnay, Limoux
Jukes also recommended this wine, writing: “Limoux is a special place – high altitude, hilly and situated in the South of France, near Carcassonne. This means it has a rare combination of lots of sunshine but very chilly nights. These conditions are perfect for growing amazing Chardonnay and this is why Etoile is one of the most exciting whites of the year. (£17.99, reduced to £12.99 each if you buy two bottles, Majestic).”
La Petite Vigne Viognier IGP d’Oc 2012
In the Mail on Sunday, Olly Smith picked out this as his “wine of the week”, writing: “As good as Viognier gets for under £7. Amazing apricot and peach aromas with a spark of spice. Perfect for mild spicy cooking.”
Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2013
This wine was recommended by Terry Kirby in The Independent. He wrote: “South Australia’s Eden and Clare Valleys has great Rieslings, such as this superb example: aromatic, but bone-dry, steely and mineral on the palate, with flavours of lemon zest and hints of pear. Wonderful with roast chicken or crustacea. (£25.95, slurp.co.uk; £26.95, winedirect.co.uk).”
2011 Taste the Difference Crozes Hermitage
Kirby also picked out this wine, writing: “The superior, and less expensive, of Sainsbury’s two Crozes, this pure Syrah is vividly perfumed with typical scents of pepper and blackberry fruit. (£9.79, Sainsbury’s).”
2012 Signature Côtes du Rhône Villages
And finally Brian Elliott recommended this wine in The Scotsman, writing: “While other parts struggled with the 2012 vintage, the Rhône has done rather well. Here, for example, you can find a skilful blend combining rounded but bright mulberry fruit, some slightly earthy graphite depth, raspberry-style acidity and the customary concluding spice. (£5.99, Morrisons).”