Here are brief notes on a few of my favourite French wines from the O’Briens Wine Fair that are included in their current French Wine Sale – but hurry, it ends at midnight on Tuesday 24th May!

Domaine Begude Etoile 2014 (13.0%, €19.95 down to €15.96)

 

3 months lees (fermentation yeast) stirring then 12 months maturing in older oak give buttered toast aromas and flavours. Serve it blind to a Burgundy snob!

 

Domaine Chanson Meursault 2014 (13.5%, €46.45 down to €37.16)

Rich, cosseting, sumptuous, round, mellow – still young, but very approachable already – unlike some oak monster Meursaults which need half a decade to be drinkable.

 

Borie de Maurel Belle de Nuit 2013 (14.5%, €26.45 down to €21.16)

100% Grenache. Very pure fruit, not heavy at all (especially given it is 14.5%). Tastes fresh, mineral and natural. Different but very good!

 

Borie de Maurel Cuvée Sylla 2013 (14.5%, €37.00 down to €29.60)

Big, powerful, rich, fine, smooth, blueberries and blackberries – you get the picture, this is a mightily impressive wine. It’s just starting to show some development and come out of its shell, but this 100% Syrah will still be mighty fine in to 10 years’ time.

 

Borie de Maurel Cuvée Luna 2014 (13.0%, €16.45 down to €13.16)

Alive in your mouth! Super smooth, though tangy. Warm red and black fruit. Quite new world in style – polished!

 

Cave Saint-Desirat Syrah 2013 (12.0%, €14.45 down to €11.56)

This is a northern Rhône Syrah, close to St-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage in quality and style. Very umami – so perfect for a barbecue!

 

Gerard Bertrand Cigalus Rouge 2014 (15.0%, €38.95 down to €31.16)

A seven grape blend of Bordeaux varieties and local Languedoc favourites. It combines power with freshness – quite a feat. An excellent wine which showcases what the Languedoc can do.

 

Laurent Miquel Les Beauchamps Syrah 2015 (13.5%, €14.95 down to €10.00)

Vivid purple in the glass! Rich and smooth with cherry and blueberry fruit and savoury tannins on the finish.