The Spectator Mixed Case

Once again Simon Hoggart has chosen his favourites from our list for a Spectator Magazine offer. Here are the wines he chose, in his own words.

WHITE

3 bottles Domaine les Grands Bois Viognier, Côtes du Rhône 2009
First up is the superlative Viognier from the Rhône Vall. The Domaine les Grand Bois Viognier 2009 is bursting with flavour and has real body. I have tasted better Viogniers, just, but they were from Australia and €22 or from Condrieu in the Northern Rhône, costing €48 or more. This is €11.95. It would make a wonderful party wine, as well as going with almost any food.

3 bottles Jean-Francois Protheau ‘Les Grésigny’ Rully Premier Cru 2008
Rully is one of the less well-known appellations in Burgundy, which makes it excellent value. This premier cru Les Gresigny has the crisp, perfumed and stylish taste of a fine, flinty Chardonnay. It comes from a tiny vineyard run by Jean Protheau, who makes it with immense care. You can tell by the taste. Just €19.95.

RED

3 bottles Lacrimus Crianza, Rioja 2005
The Lacrimus 2005 is a Rioja that seems to leap out of the glass. It's fruity, lively and scented: there are cloves here, along with other spices, cedar, vanilla, fruit and even grapes. It's €12.95. Serve it at your party with the Viognier, and your guests will be bewildered by their choice.

3 bottles Saint-Julien, Bordeaux 2008
Finally, one of the wines that made FVD so successful. French bureaucrats, who know little about wine and are based in Paris, decide how much wine every property is allowed to sell under its own name. This St-Julien 2008 is €23.95 and is less than one fifth what you would pay for a similar wine with the Château own label.

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