1 Bottle of each, plus 'Introduction to Wine Tasting' leaflet 

Chateau St Jacques d'Albas 2004
70% Syrah/ 15% Carignan/ 15% Grenache.  I don't know whether it is the extra 10% Syrah or a peculiarity of the 2004 vintage but this wine just sings out of the glass.  Liquorice, violets, rosemary are all vying for attention and in the mouth these elements are engulphed by a wave of rich, primary fruit which holds the attention to the end.  Concentrated yet not overblown, it is given added complexity by the 12 month oak ageing for the Syrah.  Remarkable approachable now but with the structure to last another 5 years. 

Chardonnay 'Les 3 Complices' Vins de Pays d'Oc 2005
Golden hue, unusually aromatic for Chardonnay.  Medium bodied with a nutty and buttery mouthfeel.  Dry, unoaked and suitable as an aperitif or with food. 

Reviews by Matthew Stubbs MW.