Domaine de l' Arjolle

A claret-like blend (Cabernet Saugivnon-Merlot) from near Pezenas (Cotes de Thongue - there are seemegly no restrictions on grapes variety here?). This certainly had more of a Bordeaux/Stellenbosch feel to it than a classic Languedoc. At £7.50 (WS) it invites comparison with Chateau Canada. It has a decent amount of cedar-mess and leathery-ness and some accessible fruit up front. It seems good value to me. Could this, together with areas like Stellenbosch, be arguments against the influence terroir? Perhaps you can only scale the heights of the claret experience in Bordeaux but others certainly seem to be going well in the foothills.....

Terret, Les Terres Noirs, 2009

Outstanding value at £5.57 (WS). Plenty of interesting flavour. No hint of the excessive acidity than is often passed off as 'bone dry'. Will make a decent aperitif. Apparently 'thrives in the hot, arid conditions of France's Mediterranean coastline'. I don't recall coming across it last summer but it's likely that we drove past some vineyards of the stuff it hails from the Herault. Yet another grape variety I had never heard of until now. Would be a good one to have in bulk re book clubs ect.

Ranquet Lafleur, Carignan Vieilles Vignes, Vin de Pays de l'Hérault, 2009

Described by the WS as a 'soft, spicy and fruity red'. Agree with the last two adjectives but 'soft' is perhaps a slight stretch. Rather too heavy for me (although the current subzero temperatures make it more appealing). In no way offensive and at £5.50 it is good value. Reminiscent of the Armandieres and a similar price. would be a good one to buy in bulk for the 'give me something dark and plummy' brigade.