So I’ve had my booster jab — hurrah! — and if it wasn’t for my early-onset CADDAD (Christmas Affected Doom, Depression and Despondency) I’d be raring to go. As it is, though, I seem to be en route to the Depths of Gloom via Lowest Point and a change at Rock Bottom. The blasted carols have been on a loop in our local supermarket seemingly for weeks and I shudder at the jingle of every bell.
Happily, though, this splendid offer of nine impeccable clarets from our chums at FromVineyardsDirect has put the spring back in my step. After our two recent bumper offers of Burgundy, it seemed only right to go for some similarly toothsome red Bordeaux and I reckon we have come up trumps with wines from 2010 and 2016. Both were stellar, 10/10 vintages. The 2010s are at their peak while the 2016s will appeal to those who appreciate slightly more youthful claret.
The 2010 Château Laroche Bel Air (1) from the Côtes de Bordeaux is a Merlot-rich, oak-aged blend that begs to be drunk. The nose might be a touch reserved but there is plenty of ripe, luscious fresh and cooked fruit on the palate with hints of vanilla and liquorice on the finish. Delicious! £15.75 down from £16.95.
It’s a cast-iron belter at a derisory price
Released only when deemed ready to drink, the 2010 Château Ramafort (2) is in cracking form. The Cru Bourgeois estate, whose vineyards and 13th-century château lie on the highest plateau of the Médoc, just north of St Estèphe, once belonged to Château Lafite, and precision here is everything. A 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the wine’s crammed with ripe briary fruit and is so soft in the mouth, so succulent and just so satisfying. £17.50 down from £18.95.
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