La Croix des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012 (France)

Nose:  Heavy oakiness, peppery, not a whole lot of fruit but the generic 'dark berries' where they exist

Taste:  Dry, a bit fruity.

Finish:  Mild to medium tannins, lingering bitterness.

What we say:  S - "It kind of burns the nostrils"  V - "It's a less chemically fruit roll up smell, so probably cherry?" " I think the most interesting thing about this is the nose"  S - "It's not bad for a French wine"  V - "Yeah, it grew on me a bit as the night went on.  Not fantastic, but reasonably drinkable."  S - "I wish I could score 5.5, because 5 is almost a bit unfair, but 6 might indicate that we'd buy this again."

What they say:  Rich, concentrated wine with flavours of soft summer fruits through to dark chocolate.

Rating:  5.5 (S - 6; V - 5)

Price:  £9.99

Arc du Rhône Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 (France)

Nose:  Definitely on the oaky side, with underlying dark berries.

Taste:  Thick and almost a little syrupy, dry.

Finish:  Medium-light tannins, a little bit tart

What we say:  V - "It was mostly oak on the nose at first, but I think I'm getting some of the berries now."   S - "There was a flavour I had initially, maybe dark cherry?"  V - "I don't know, I don't think there's a lot more to say about it" S - "Yes, it's certainly not a flavour explosion.  It's solid for what it is, but a bit boring."

What they say:  Ripe, full flavoured with black cherry, plum, black pepper, tapenade, and kirsch.

Rating:  5.5 (V - 6; S - 5)

Price:  £19.99