Something For The Weekend?

5 Santa Julia Viognier; 2002 St Chinian Roches Noires; 2003 De Bortoli Yarra Valley Pinot Noir

Argentinian pioneer José Alberto Zuccardi is now reaping the rewards for backing the trendy Rhône grape variety. The new season's offering providing a typically aromatic and peachy example of viognier. Now it comes with a screwcap to guarantee freshness.

Under a Tenner: 2002 St Chinian Roches Noires, £6.99, Tesco

A syrah-based red whose sweet, rosemary scents are complemented by a food-friendly, rustic astringency creating an exhilarating tour-in-a-glass of the mountainous St Chinian garrigue. I love this classic expression of the Languedoc.

Splash Out: 2003 De Bortoli Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, £13.99, Oddbins

The Italian-Australian De Bortoli family's Yarra Valley operation is becoming an increasingly important source of elegant pinot noir. Cherry and raspberry fragrance gives way here to pure pinot noir fruit intensified by a neat touch of oak.