Wine Box

ARE YOU desperately seeking sancerre, but finding it too expensive? Try the 1993 La Chapelle de Cray, Sauvignon Blanc, pounds 4.49, Thresher Wine Shops, Bottoms Up, Wine Rack. This excellent Loire Valley wine has all the intense herbaceous aromas of sancerre with the richness of gooseberry fruit to match.

The 1993 Domaine des Salices, vin de pays d'Oc, pounds 3.99, Thresher, Wine Rack, Bottoms Up, Safeway, is a green-bean-like southern French sauvignon blanc. Chardonnay addicts should try the 1992 Somerfield White Burgundy, G Desire, pounds 4.99, Somerfield/Gateway. Awarded a gold medal in the company of more exalted white burgundies at the International Wine Challenge, it is nicely balanced, with surprising finesse.

A 'deal' from an overstocked Cahors estate, the tarry, herby 1990 Cahors, Domaine de Guingal, pounds 2.99, Majestic, is a good buy; for just 50p more, Asda's 1993 Chilean Merlot, pounds 3.49, offers mint and more blackcurrant fruitiness than most clarets at the price. For Australia's Rhone- style reds, try the juicy, peppery 1992 Rosemount Estate Shiraz, pounds 4.59, Sainsbury's. From Rex Hill in Oregon, the raspberry-fruity 1992 King's Ridge Pinot Noir, pounds 5.99, Oddbins, is as good a new world response to red burgundy as you will find for under pounds 6.