Ch Haut Rian 2006, Bordeaux Blanc Sec, Les Amis de La Bouissière, Vin de Table and Dom du Paradis, Syrah rosé, Vin de Pays d'Oc.
Ch Haut Rian 2006, Bordeaux Blanc Sec, 12.5%, €10.10
Paddy Keogh's latest dispatch from the retail front line suggests that Wines Direct's customers are leaning back toward French wines, and he sends us some examples to back his case. This classy, rounded, soft citrus blend of Sauvignon and Semillon shows the kind of value to be had in Bordeaux's backwaters. Great on sunny summer days - if we ever get any.
From www.winesdirect.ie, 1890-579579
Les Amis de La Bouissière, Vin de Table, 14%, €12.99
A lowly vin de table but from the celebrated hands of the Faravel brothers of southern Rhône's Gigondas appellation. Farmyard nose with spice and black pepper; in the mouth, rich dark fruit, spicy with peppery concentration, the Grenache and Syrah calling the tune with the Merlot softening the blow.
From Cheers, Delgany; www.thestoreroom.ie; The Vineyard, Galway; Redmonds of Ranelagh; the Kitchen Project, Clonakilty; and Vanilla Grape, Kenmare.
Dom du Paradis, Syrah rosé, Vin de Pays d'Oc, 12.5%, €7.19 (down from €8.99 until July 24th)
Built for afternoon sunshine and chilled conversation, this smart, sturdy, attractive, deep-coloured rosé offers good balance and generous summer fruit. Great value. From Superquinn