Domaine Saint-Martin d’Aumes, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2006, Nicolas £7.50

I only managed to swallow 3 mouthfuls of this wine from the Herault region.  The fourth was aggressively spat into the sink.  On the nose I got fairly attractive red fruit aromas, but much to my surprise, the palate was infused with a taste of putrid oranges and rancid green tea.  This wine’s austere acidity didn’t do it any favours either, even when paired with food.  However, my fellow drinker was very fond of this wine and happily guzzled it with his stuffed aubergines. 

 The owner of Domaine St-Martin d’Aumes, Roger Santa, also has another property 40km down the road, where you’ll find Johnny Hallyday’s wine.

A Warning to Those Considering Plastic Surgery

 Johnny Hallyday (born Jean-Phillipe Smet), one of France’s most successful rockstars (and womanisers), has been on the go for 48 years!  He seems to be splattered across the pages of French textbooks in British schools.  In fact, the first thing I learnt to say in French was: “J’aime bien la musique de Johnny Hallyday”.  Are the French trying to brainwash us from an early age into buying his music?  Do I want to try his wine?  Bluntly, no.  From the above picture he looks scared to try it himself!