"They all punch above their weight in value," he says.
First up from the McCobb's collection is the big, boisterous Domaine de la Garrigue 2003 Gigondas (£11.29,
www.appellationwines.co.uk), a heady
, medicinal-tinged Rhone red from near Orange. Needs food such as rich casseroles or steaks.
Firmament 2004 Vin de Pays de L'Herault (£5.29,
www.appellationwines.co.uk) has bramble, plum and cherry interwoven. Burgers to steaks perfect.
Chateau Langoiran Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux Cuvee Prestige 2001 (£8.09,
www.appellationwines.co.uk) smells of oak floors, leather, chocolate and damsons. Throw some pepper into the mix.
Elsewhere, there's The Pump Shiraz Cabernet 2004 (£4.79, Morrisons) a real blast of blackcurrant. Give it lamb.
Canto de Flora 2004 Carmenere (£3.29, Morrisons) means Flower Song and is a tremendous value Chilean red, packed with peppery spice and caramel aromas. Delish.
BARGAIN OF THE WEEK You'll find bags of oomph in Firmament 2003 Minervois (£6.29,
www.appellationwines.co.uk), a leather, plum and black-cherry-laden red that's rustic with it, but has elegant notes. Quite complex - and powerful on the palate.
BOTTLE OF THE WEEKLovely name, lovely white. Cristal Buisse 2006 Touraine Sauvignon (£7.99,
www.appellationwines.co.uk) is a fresh, herbaceous, classic Loire Valley white that lights up the mouth with its summery freshness. Slightly floral and a hint of honey too. Sublime.
The full article contains 279 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
