Wines of the week: Château D'Hospitalet La Reserve La Clape 2008; Flaxbourne Sauvignon Blanc 2011; Sabina Tempranillo, Navarra 2011
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
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Château D'Hospitalet La Reserve La Clape 2008
So, it's Father's Day and you need a nice bottle for a family lunch or dinner. Or maybe a last-minute present? Made by French rugby-star-turned-star-wine-maker Gérard Bertrand in the esteemed La Clape area, this bottle has all the virtues of a great Coteaux du Languedoc and is perfect for either a big roast or a tapas-style meal: aromas of spices and liquorice give way to rich red fruits and plenty of structure. £11.99, Waitrose
Midweek Meals
Flaxbourne Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Amid the flood of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc– most admittedly very good – some gems can be overlooked. But thanks to recent awards in the Decanter and the International Wine Challenge competitions, this has the recognition it deserves. Terrifically well made, its huge fruit flavours of grapefruit and nettles cut through with masses of zesty lime notes. Worth buying really good shellfish or crab to do it justice, particularly if there's a bit of chilli involved. £6.69, M&S
Bargain Basement
Sabina Tempranillo, Navarra 2011
Currently being promoted by The Wine Society to highlight some of the less well-known bottles favoured by its buyers, this Spanish bottle is an absolute bargain. A touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot bolster the native Tempranillo, creating remarkably rounded, dark-fruit flavours and a long finish for such a young wine. Great for summer parties, barbecues or with any Mediterranean foods. £5.25, thewinesociety.com
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