Mas Belles Eaux, Rose, Pays d’oc, 2013

Mas Belles Eaux is a sister vineyard to Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron. It is owned by French insurance company AXA and was run by Jean-Michel Cazes of Château Lynch-Bages – makers of our other current favourite Rose L’Ostal Cazes – for a while.

And this doesn’t disappoint, recommended by the Assistant Manager in O’Briens Sandymount.

Well constructed, pink tint with delicate berry nose and very smooth dry moreish taste. Delicious.

We all enjoyed this celebrating Ian’s Birthday on a humid and wet summer Sunday.

Summer Rose offer: Buy one Get One half price @ €14.49

La Vielle Capitelle Languedoc, 2013, Gerard Bertrand

€9.99 from €13.99 in  O’Briens.

A solid offering from Gerard Bertrand.

Served to Ross and Amyj for Dinner

Pic Saint Loup, Gerard Bertrand, Grand Terroir, 2011

John brought this to dinner, a very mellow, fresh tasting blackberry fruity wine named after a mountain near Montpelier in Languedoc.

Gerard Bertrand, wine notes here, owns 6 wineries in the Languedoc (including Chateau l’Hospitalet / Maison Bertrand) and was once Captain of Stade Francais.

http://www.nj.com/homegarden/entertaining/index.ssf/2012/08/bertrand.html

http://blog.majestic.co.uk/gerard-bertrand-the-man-the-wines/

Chateau Saint Esteve, 2011, Corbieres

40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre

Hint of spiced red berried fruit, lovely earthy wine, fact sheet here

Chateau Millegrand 2011 Minervois Languedoc

€11 in Dunnes. This wine is always reliable & enjoyable.

A blend of 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 30% Carignan and 10% Mourvedre according to the label.

Opaque in the glass – almost squid Ink coloured. Oak aged, good legs, vanilla nose with lots of fruit and lovely aftertaste.

You can read more about the Chateau Millegrand which used to be part of the Bishop of Carcassonne’s Estate, here. and is part of the BonFils “empire”.

Palais Saint Vigni Chateauneuf du Pape 2011

A very refined Chateauneuf du Pape from Jean Claude Fromont and this looks like a Tesco exclusive.

Slightly rusty colour in the glass, nice nose – hints of Chocolate.

Soft mouthfeel with good fruit complimenting the Lamb Chops.

A lovely blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan.

The new mansion of the Pope is an under-rated style of wine.