52. Cave de Tain l’Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage Nobles Rives, 1999

£7.01; 12.5%

What a bargain! The Guide Hachette gives this 2* status. Understandable. Slightly purple end of ruby colour, but the most notable thing for me on this (drank after Ch. de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône by comparison) was the elegance of the wine’s balance. Nothing overdone. Silky but not limp; body but not too much; fruit but length from oaking etc; spice / pepper but not too aggressive. Have 4 more, plus a 2000…