Wines of the week: La Miranda de Secastilla 2008; Journey's End Haystack Chardonnay 2010; Alexaume, Domaine des Crès Ricards 2009

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Saturday 08 October 2011 19:00 EDT
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Sunday lunch

La Miranda de Secastilla 2008

Made from 90-year-old Garnarcha vines, but in an ultra-modern winery in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the emerging Somontano wine region. A wonderfully well-structured wine, with aromas of leather and vanilla, intense fruit flavours of blackberries and cherries and hints of spice nicely matched with a really fresh acidity. A lovely, enticing autumn drink that is perfect for any game or perhaps a roast duck. £10.29, ocado.com; £11.25, ampsfinewines.co.uk

Midweek meal

Journey's End Haystack Chardonnay 2010

More restrained than an over-oaked Aussie Chardonnay, this award-winning Stellenbosch wine nevertheless has big buttery flavours, with lots of ripe tropical fruit and an overriding freshness on the palate that reins it all in. Makes a great partner to most robustly flavoured fish dishes, but particularly wild salmon with citrus sauces or a grilled mackerel. £9.95, tanners-wines.co.uk; £10.99, sawinesonline.co.uk

Bargain basement

Alexaume, Domaine des Crès Ricards 2009

Almost wild, herby, spicy, peppery flavours of the southern French Garrigue in this new offering from the extremely reliable Paul Mas stable of wines. A typical blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Syrah, produces complexity, longevity and enough fruit for easy drinkability at this excellent introductory price. £7.99 (reduced from £9.99 until end of October), majestic.co.uk

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