Financial Times

JANCIS ROBINSON MW gives her own take on summertime drinking and says: I think the refreshment factor, which should be a prerequisite in all wines in my view but is regrettably absent from an increasing proportion of reds, is paramount in summer.' Chenin Blanc is one of the grapes that fares well in this regard, she continues, flagging up 2004 Domaine Pierre Bise, Clos de Coulaine Savennires (9.75; Stone, Vine & Son) and one of the New World's finest Chenin Blancs', 2004 Forrester Meinert Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch(16.99; selected Waitrose). Her column wouldn't be complete, however, without a nod to Riesling, and although she is giving Germany a rest this week', Alsace comes up with an alternative: 2004 Domaine Frdric Mochel Riesling (9.95; Vine Trail of Bristol).