We’ve Christmas firmly in our sights this week. I’ve written many times here and elsewhere about suffering from that debilitating festive condition known as CADDAD — Christmas Affected Doom, Depression and Despondency — and about how the only known cure is a regular supply of fine vino spaced generously throughout the holiday season. Well, I reckon fellow sufferers and those folk fortunate enough to enjoy this time of year will be more than happy with this selection from Mr Wheeler.
We start with the 2017 Sumaridge Estate Sauvignon Blanc (1) from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde — ‘Heaven and Earth’ — Valley in South Africa’s Western Cape. This is a blessed spot and one I’ve visited many times, largely to get happily sozzled while gawping at the southern right whales from the terrace of Bientang’s Cave on the water’s edge in nearby Hermanus. Plenty of hot sun cooled by breezes off the bay leads to wines of perfect ripeness and exhilarating freshness here — and this is a prime example. Crisp, tropical and refreshing, it’s a snip at this price. £11 down from £12.50.
Six wines and one champers ideal for Christmas
The 2017 Montagny 1er Cru ‘Les Coères’ (2) from the Cave des Vignerons de Buxy (which fabled co-operative accounts for around two thirds of Montagny’s production) is also cracking value and surely a must-have at this price. 100 per cent Chardonnay, of course, it’s rich and toasty with nuts, butter and plenty of vibrant citrus fruit. £15 down from £16.25.
Gosh, I enjoyed the 2015 Greenhough Hope Vineyard Pinot Blanc (3). From Nelson, the lesser-known neighbour of Marlborough in the north of New Zealand’s South Island, it’s a wonderfully tasty and rare (for NZ) blend of 94 per cent Pinot Blanc and 6 per cent Pinot Gris. Soft, supple and creamy with exquisitely textured white fruit, it’s deeply seductive.
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