Mas de Cynanque, Althea Blanc, St-Chinian 2014

February’s wine is the 2014 Mas de Cynanque, Althea Blanc, St-Chinian (€13.40 from www.saint-chinian.pro)

Jancis Robinson says:

“This is one of those wines that just stuns you from the moment you put your nose in the glass to the last lingering taste of it. It smells intensely of candied lemon peel and apricots, lilies and beeswax. Coiled with tension, tasting of wild honey and orange blossom, dancing towards you then darting away. Acidity is strung from start to end like an electric current, dangerously alive. I got back home and ordered a case straight away. VVGV” 17.5/20

Chateau La Dournie Saint-Chinian 2014

January’s wine is the 2014 Chateau La Dournie Saint-Chinian (€8,40 from www.jadopteunvin.fr).

*2014 sold out. 2016 available from www.thewinesociety.com.*

Robert Parker says:

“A gorgeous wine any way you look at it, the tiny production (83 cases) sports a vibrant purple color as well as sensational notes of black cherries, plums, lavender and exotic spices. Rich, medium to full-bodied, light on its feet and with a great finish, it will cruise for 7-8 years on its balance, yet is already hard to resist.” 93/100