A blend of organic Grenache and Marsanne from Southwest France near Carcassonne. Clear gold appearance. Apple-citrus nose with perhaps a hint of oak and pepper. Nice acidity, perhaps not as defined as previous bottles I’ve tried, which were 2006 I believe. A pineapple quality with minerality but a bit dull. Good, but disappointing given my prior experience.

This French organic wine has a medium yellow-gold appearance. Intriguing hay-vegetal nose. Medium body. Flat on the palette with relatively low acidity; slight mushroom quality that’s not entirely objectionable, but there’s little subtlety here. (It can’t be corked, as it is a twist-top.)

I’m going to try a few relatively inexpensive organic wines.

First is this Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, about $15 at the BC Liquor store. Pale clear straw colour with a light citrus-pineapple nose. Good acidity; strong citrus notes and a good finish. Straightforward and drinkable. Recommended. See Emiliana.