Chapoutier has partnered with Brisset, winemaker at Ferraton Pere & Fils

This past week was fascinating, as Scotland took center stage, Brexit, Turnbury North Sea oil, Haggis, scones, kilts, Bò Ghàidhealach, Pàrtaidh Tòraidheachd na h-Alba , Loch Ness, Skara Brae and Edinburgh flooded the “tellie” and nary the mention of a wee dram. Whether you were watching the news or the Highlander, the Welsh and the Englanders once again thrashed the Scots. After listening to the inept and the victors respectively whine or gloat for a few hours, I sat down to a serious bout of tastings. In Vino Veritas or perhaps, "Whit's fur ye'll no go past ye." is more appropriate.

You folks are aware I am a fan of Michel Chapoutier. He has partnered with Damien Brisset, winemaker at Ferraton Pere & Fils vineyard. Recently they have been providing us some great QPR wines.

Here are the 2015s, I sampled. Samorens Blanc, Cotes du Rhone are a blend of Grenache Blanc (GB), Viognier 20 percent and 20 percent Clairette. They are cold fermented in stainless, no oak, providing a very fresh clean wine.

Pale golden colored, the Viognier provides lovely floral aromas and peach comes from the GB. Fruit acid balance is helped by the Cairette. Finishes cleanly with crisp citrus acidity. Great with our local seafood.

 Jeb Dunnock WA laid on 90 points to the Samorens Rose, 2015. High praise indeed, as few writers will award 90 points to Rose’ The 2015 blended of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault deserves the accolade and they are buyable under $12. These are a darker salmon color, probably due to a bit longer maceration.

They have a slight spritz of naturally occurring CO2. Beautiful cherry blossom and acacia nose evolves to a raspberry palate with mineral hints and palate cleaning minerality. I was surprised at the medium- to full-body on a value wine. Great summer sipper. If you got the bucks and enjoy Chateauneuf du Pape, but hate the price tag, look for 2009 Ferraten et Fils Le Pare CdP. I had some brought in at the recommendation of Tanzer and JR, two of my gurus. Best $33, I’ve spent in a while.

Valdo Prosecco Brut NV is easily found priced under $13. They are 100 percent glera, straw yellow, lovely bead and have pleasing tropical fruit aromas.

We named them “best buy” several years ago. Keep in mind the NV wine is blended to keep the same profile year in and out. Don’t kill with the chill. Serve around 45* F.

Concha y Toro Gran Reserva Series Riberas means river series, are derived from different river valley terroir in Chile. The 2015 hit the jackpot. However few were surprised because C yT is known to extract the best wines from its wide range of vineyards and sell them at modest pricing.

The Sauvignon Blanc, 2015 are from Uctiquer Valley of the Rapel. They are pale, straw-colored, with lime, grapefruit and herbal nose, bracing acidity and a chalky mineral clean finish. WS gave the Cabernet 2013 90 points. The 2014 from the Colchagua River Valley were hit at 87 points by WS. However the wine tasted differently than Marcus wrote. Dark, red purple, color with cassis, dark chocolate and cherry aromas, with enough tannin to support the fruit /acid balance. A lot of Cab for less than $15 and available locally; 88 points McD.

The Carmenere 2014 are from the Cachapoal Valley. In fairness Kim Marcus got this right and awarded 90 points. My eval is slightly different but close enough. Vibrant purple-red colored, it opens to a complex bouquet of dark fruit, blueberry, plums, mocha and peppery barrel spice.

Full on the palate with dark chocolate, pie spice flavors and appropriate tannins; 91 points with one price point. I’ve seen some on sale, under $150/case. Buy a bottle, and if you like it salt some away. Ready now but will cellar a few years. Don’t look for price appreciation, just some mellowing. Happy 4th of July. Fortunately we still enjoy a modicum of independence.