D'Arenberg "The Stump Jump" White blend 2010

Considering its price, this is a very complex little number - but I guess that's no surprise, as it contains at least 4 grape varieties that are vastly different and incredibly aromatic (Riesling, Sauvignon blanc, Rousanne and Marsanne). It's a funny old thing - tropical and citrussy like a sauvignon and then all fat with honey and rockmelon. A touch of residual sugar makes it supremely quaffable. Good crowd pleaser for a party.


Drink now
50AED + tax
13.5/20

Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2010

Big fruity wine, and quite complex for a simple CDR blend. Almost a poor-man's-Condrieu, with over half the blend made up of mouth-filling apricot scented Viognier. A little spice and peel on the nose, tropical up front, big fat middle palate, and just enough acid to help it finish fragrant and long. A very versatile wine, and flavoursome enough even to go up against a curry. Worth seeking out.

Drink now or over 2 years
85AED + tax
16/20

Henri Fabre Pure Dédicace Bandol Rosé 2010

This is probably breaking the rosé budget for many. At about 100AED plus tax in Dubai, it's not going to qualify as a quaffer. However, it's also a very good example of what you get when a winemaker takes rosé seriously. It's richer, fruitier, creamier than any rose I've had recently, and yet, still light in body, and steely dry on the finish. There's extra complexity, something a little cakey and spicy. Almost Eton mess in a glass - strawberries, redcurrant jelly and cream. But with a marzipan twist and dry, beautifully dry. Gorgeous.

Drink now
100AED + tax
16/20