An email from Majestic arrived last Friday, and while perusing the options, I spotted four wines that looked very good value.
An order was placed, collected from the local store, and assessed. They were all ‘spot-on’ and would sit well amongst your stock for this summer’s drinking:
1 - Cave de Lugny ‘Les Pierres Blanches’ Bourgogne Chardonnay 2022
Think Louis Latour’s Macon Lugny but more refined. There is a delicate lightness in the structure of this wine. Flavours of peach, pear and white flowers with a very well balanced crispness. Shellfish and avocado.
Cave de Lugny is a large cooperative in Southern Burgundy with roots dating back to 18th century and over 400 members, in a village called Chardonnay. I think that gives you the focus of this very well respected operation.
£10.99 - Majestic - usually £14.99
Cave de Lugny also produce the excellent Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs that is unquestionably the best value sub-£20 sparkling wine on the market. Available from Waitrose at £15.99.
2 - Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2021, Columbia Valley, Washington State
Richer than the Chardonnay above with tropical fruit flavours of mango and pineapple, combined with creamy, buttery notes on the palate with a hint of toasted oak. Delicious summer drinking. Baked salmon or a fresh trout pâté or any white fish in a rich sauce.
£12.99 - Majestic - usually £16.99
3 - Mt Difficulty 'Roaring Meg' Pinot Noir 2022, Central Otago
The Mt Difficulty winery is located in Central Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. The wine comes from three plots and is made from the younger vines that have recently been planted: under 10 years.
Having bought many wines from this winery over the years, the ‘Roaring Meg’ option had not been encountered before. First class varietal nose with a touch of oak, blossoming red fruit on the palate - red cherries, raspberries, and strawberries - with a delightful and positive richness. Think roast duck or lamb tagine as this wine will work superbly. Not a long-term keeper, but will drink well this summer and autumn. As inexpensive Pinot Noir goes, this is a benchmark item.
£16.99 - Majestic - usually £22.99
4 - Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Columbia Valley, Washington State
Generous on the nose, full-bodied with flavours of black cherry and cassis, even a hint of a touch of nutmeg. Not overly complicated but a good honest Cabernet that is well made for the price. Sliced sirloin steak with lots of parmesan and a rocket-based salad with a silky dressing would be perfect.
£12.99 - Majestic - usually £16.99
