2011 Les Grenaches de Sixte, Côtes-du-Rhône, Domaine Giraud, France (£15.00, or £75 for 6 bottles as a special web offer, www.tanners-wines.co.uk). There’s a group of top independent wine merchants, which includes Lea & Sandeman, Adnams, Berry Bros., Corney & Barrow, Tanners and Yapp, called The Bunch and their tastings are always stuffed with great wines. I have picked this extraordinary red out for you because it is one of the standout wines of the season. Tanners is kindly keeping their web offer on this beauty going to cover this magazine’s week of publication, so you must take advantage of this deal. Made from 100% Grenache from 60 year old vines grown in the village of Lirac, there is a depth of fruit and texture to this mighty red which is nothing short of hypnotic. Big, rich, mouth-coating, but super-smooth and ready to drink this is an ultra-high spec Côtes-du-Rhône with a heavenly aroma and flavour and it obliterates the posse of dire Châteauneuf-du-Papes which the supermarkets sell to unsuspecting mugs at the same sort of price. If you would like to learn more about the world of wine and also taste over forty awesome examples and enjoy a great lunch, too, join me at my One Day Wine School on 20th October at the Cadogan Hotel in London. See my website for full details.
