Domaine les Aurelles Solen 2010, Languedoc
Once again leaning on the recommendations of the Connaught Cellars in London to produce something a little bit different. This is an exceptional example of what the Languedoc can do at its best, and were it in a more ‘prestigious’ appellation would likely be twice the price. A blend of 60% Carignan and 40% Grenache, it could easily be mistaken for a Rhone wine on the palate. Their 9 hectares are farmed biodynamically though not certified and they practice a very minimal intervention style of wine making. Delicious freshness, wild, dark forest fruit and a savoury maturity coming through, utterly delicious. Connaught Cellars £25
Aster 2013, Ribera del Duero, Spain
Teased at the weekend by friends indulging in roast beef and bottles of Ribera when he was designated driver, this drinker made it through his prescribed dry days before finally getting to indulge with us at Thursday Night Club. Made by the wonderful talented team at La Rioja Alta, this is their Ribera out post. A little shy to start, tasting almost as if it was past it best, but after an hour or two open, the fruit really made a come-back to reveal a thoroughly classy wine. Armit Wines £22/36 (current vintage 2014)
Varvaglione ’12 E Mezzo’ Primitivo, Puglia IGP
Curious to try this, as when she was in Puglia she recalls drinking far more Negroamaro than Primitivo. Drawn by the beautiful label reflecting its organic production, it was a lovey, quaffable wine with lots of plum and prune fruit, with ripe, soft velveting tannins and surprisingly good freshness. A lovely, easy drinking wine that she would definitely buy again. Nicolas £14.50
Conceito Bastardo 2018, Douro, Portugal
A magical mystery wine tonight, drawn from a surprise mixed case. Bastardo is the grape variety, otherwise known as Trousseau (which makes an equally obscure red from the Jura). It is incredibly pale in colour but do not let that mislead you! The wine has so much character and refinement. An attractively reductive nose opened up to reveal leather and raspberries with a subtle hint of tobacco. Incredibly refreshing, restrained and elegant this has really over delivered and exceeded expectation. This would 100% be on the shopping list again, but this time by the case rather than the bottle. Philglas and Swiggot £27.95
Duncan Savage Dirt Track Cinsault 2018, Swartland, South Africa
This has been a stressful week culminating in a particularly stressful day, and rule number 1 with stressful days is avoid heavily tannic wines as your bitter receptors will be in over drive making the wine feel astringent and bitter. So we went for this absolutely delicious, fruity and super low tannin Cinsault which has not only hit the spot but calmed my frayed nerves! Elegant, fresh, juicy and totally smashable, there are sour cherries, bright red fruits and a subtle hint of white pepper but mainly the glass is just filled with happiness. Insanely good value and a wine that I would gladly show off to my wine buff friends. Seriously well made, exuberant, pure and elegant. The bottle was finished before Thursday Night Club was. Ooops. The Wine Society £7.95
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