From 11 Dec 2010 by Jancis Robinson/FT 75 sure-fire whites
All the wines below have some real distinction to recommend them. We have given UK stockists where known but do please check with wine-searcher.com for more, especially if you are outside the UK. Single-bottle prices are given. Some UK retailers, especially mail-order only ones and Majestic, insist on a minimum order of six or 12 bottles. Many others offer discounts if 12 (often mixed) bottles are ordered. Big retailers are always introducing special offers; check with quaffersoffers.co.uk.
Jancis on 6 of our whites:
Gilles Berlioz 2009 Chignin
From Jacquère vines up to 80 years old. Very light and appetising with piercing acidity. (Sub)alpine zest indeed. Pretty and different. Great aperitif. 11.5%
£9.95 Vine Trail
Pascal Pauget Chardonnay 2008 Mâcon
Quite rich and beguiling. Easy to like with lots of energy under the surface. So much exuberant fruit...
£12.85 Vine Trail
Dom des Entrefaux 2009 Crozes-Hermitage
Attractively dense, high-toned (nice) varnish nose. Lots of sometimes-fat Marsanne (80%), but lovely juicy raciness. A wine that sums up northern Rhône 2009's appeal. Lovely balance, juice and complexity. Great stuff. So much flavour without a lot of alcohol. 12.5%
£13.50 Vine Trail
Cyril Fhal 2007 Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes
Unusually light for a Roussillon white. Very fine and interesting and delicately skeined. Really filigree. Long and fine. Very well done. Lots of delicate interest with surely the potential for development. 12%
£16.30 Vine Trail
Julien Labet, Les Varrons 2007 Côtes du Jura
Low-yielding Chardonnay from an under-appreciated region. Deep-flavoured and subtle with the majesty found in the contained, dry finish of old-fashioned burgundy. Worth a look. Real quality.
£18.45 Vine Trail
Gérard Boulay, Clos de Beaujeu 2008 Sancerre
Twice the price of most Sancerres, but twice as good. Much richer and more interesting. Boulay's Les Monts Damnés 2006 was a previous Wine of the Week.
£20.50 Vine Trail