When invited to a recent Yapp tasting for trade and press, it was a no brainer to attend. The supplier has a history of laying on great tastings, and this event was no different. In the Spring of each year they release their annual wine list. The book is packed with vibrant photos and maps, rich with information about their wines and the French regions in which these wonders can be found. It’s a delight to digest, never mind the wines within. I could have written passionately about almost everything I tasted, but below are my top 3 Whites and top 3 Reds. I like to make things easy, so i’ve provided you with not only the prices, but where you can buy these wines too. Go on, explore a little!

J-L Chave Seléction Saint-Joseph 2013St Joseph

Origin: Northern Rhône, France

Where To Buy: Yapp
How Much: £24

Chave needs little introduction. The family have a 500 year history, and they’re notorious for being the most acclaimed producer on Hermitage Hill. I tasted the White 2010 and Red 2005 Hermitage and found them to be nothing short of sensational. Yapp stock them at £175 and £225 respectively. However it’s the more accessible Saint-Joseph (under their J-L Chave Seléction négociant label) that I’ll be stocking up on. It’s 100% Roussanne, and it’s 100% gorgeous. It has a richness and density that deliver a very broad and premium mouthfeel. Scents of rapeseed oil, sage, graphite and a fair bit of alcohol. It had more ripeness (think melon and nectarine) than I was expecting making it a little more approachable upfront, thereafter there’s massive flavour development towards a savoury, nutty finish. The balance and finesse was clear to see. It’s showing well now at 2 years and will develop even further over the next decade.

Domaine Guyot Pouilly Fumé 2013Puilly Fume

Origin: Loire Valley, France

Where To Buy: Yapp
How Much: £15.25

Pouilly Fume is on a pedestal with Sancerre as the most prestigious wines in the Loire. The examples from my many producers don’t do enough to showcase the superior quality of the perfect limestone and flint terrain, and the superb Sauvignon Blanc it yields. I’m often underwhelmed when paying less than big bucks. This however is an absolute knock-out wine. It smells like lemon juice being squirted on a hot bit of slate that’s just been chipped from a sea-side cliff. It’s got interesting complexity with fresh basil and gun smoke piercing through the austere zesty palate. It’s got great weight and substance but remains refreshing. Perfect acidity gives it a fine feel. Worth £15 and more, and understandably a staple of the Yapp list for many, many years.

Domaine Py Corbières ‘3ème Cuvée’ 2014Domaine PY

Origin: Languedoc, France

Where To Buy: Yapp
How Much: £10.75

This is a real hidden gem which affirms Yapp’s reputation for finding brilliant wines off the beaten tracks. It’s 100% Grenache Blanc, fermented on the lees for complexity. White Grenache is more commonly used as a blending grape, mostly notably in White Cote du Rhone, or Rioja Blanco. It’s known for its masculine and earthy character, which is evident in this wine. It’s comparatively light in mouth feel, but with low acidity the flavours are heavyweight. I found lemon, apricot, white flowers, soy and dried herbs. Concentration and richness not too dissimilar to a Viognier. Big evolution and angular character that brings different flavours with each mouthful. It’s hard to deny that Languedoc has the best value wines in France with bottles like this priced at £11!

Domaine Roquemale ‘Meli Melo’ 2013MELI MELO

Origin: Languedoc, France

Where To Buy: Yapp
How Much: £10.75

Switching over to Reds now, but staying in Languedoc I found this noble Vin de Pays to be a very interesting drop. It’s made with Alicante Bouschet, which although originally from Languedoc is more common in Portugal these days. A transparent aubergine in the glass, throwing out scents of mulling spices, particularly cinnamon and clove. Into the mouth and it’s a real ‘hmmmmmm’ moment. It’s all berries and hedgerow, combining with the subtle spices from the nose. It’s juicy, but really nimble with it. It’s quite high in acidity, but doesn’t have much weight, only adding to the curiosity. I totally get the ‘Beaujolais of the South’ nickname that it’s been dubbed with. I’d quite like to try this slightly chilled on a summer’s day.

Domaine Saint Gayan Gigondas 2011GIGONDAS

Origin: Rhône, France

Where To Buy: Yapp
How Much: £16.95

I’ve been suitably impressed by a few Gigondas recently. This example is easily near the top of the list. For those not familiar with the AOC, it neighbours the more famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and just like many Southern Rhone Reds, it’s a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. This is something like a 1991 Disney film with Beauty in the form of a fine balance between berry/dark fruits and earth/pepper, then Beast in the form of rugged, super-charged style. It demands attention and deserves it, with its brilliant richness and depth.

Patrick Jasmin Côte-Rôtie 2011CATE ROTE

Origin: Northern Rhône, France

Where To Buy: Yapp
How Much: £35

One sexy wine showing all the lovable qualities of ‘proper’ Syrah that winemakers the world over strive to replicate. Intoxicating berry, peppery, boozy, meaty nose that can only be Northern Rhône Syrah. Raspberry and blackcurrant are the predominant fruit notes. Lots of savoury going on to, most notably a burnt brown sugar note. Subtle smoke and pepper hanging on to every note. Despite the full spectrum of flavours, it still has a feeling of precision and freshness. The tannins and acidity are well integrated, and the flavours unwind gradually all of which make this even more enjoyable.