Rothschild Baron 'Arques (Vin de Pays de la Haute Vallée de l'Aude) 1999: A premium wine created within a joint venture between Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, head of Baron Philippe de Roththschild SA, and Pierre Mirc, chairman of Vignerons du Sieur d'Arques. The Vignerons du Sieur d'Arques are also responsible for the Rothschild VdP d'Oc wines. It has a good colour. The fruit on the nose has an earthy quality. The palate seems disjointed, with prominent acidity sitting out on a limb, and some mild tannins. It seems deficient in fruit and body. I don't think this wine has the structure to go the distance, and I am dismayed by the asking price - about £20. 14/20

Planeta Cometa (Sicily) 2001: It's good to see Planeta working with indigenous Sicilian varieties - in this case Fiano - as well as the international varieties with which they first drew attention to themselves. There is a delightful nose here, rich with tropical fruits with a pine nut and citrus edge. Full bodied on the palate, packed with fruit, and low but sufficient acidity. A very clean, pure style, resembling a turbo-charged Condrieu! The price tag also resembles Condrieu. Nevertheless, most impressive. 17/20