Monthly Archives: December 2015


Thought that all Chilean vineyards were irrigated with water from the Andes? Think again… (JAN 2017 UPDATE – see end of this post…) Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Colchagua, Chile (£12.99 D Byrne & Co, Wright Wine Company, Gwin Llyn Wines, Hay Wines, The Old Bridge Wine Shop, Hennings Wine […]

Two vintages of Montes Alpha Cabernet: how much of a ...


Domaine de Rosette Chinon 2014, Loire, France (£9.49 Marks & Spencer) Young, refreshing, almost crunchy style, with a slightly leafy edge to the earthy raspberry and cherry flavours, and a hint of tar on the finish. S- Domaine du Colombier Chinon 2012, Loire, France (£7 Sainsbury’s) Showing its maturity both […]

Two supermarket Chinons


Tasty enough but have to say it doesn’t have much of a Spanish accent… Siós Pla Del Lladoner 2013, Costers del Segre, Spain (£10.99 31Dover.com) A bold glassful of juicy, plump just-ripe peach flavour with a hint of nuttiness, and a character that reminds me of Fruit Salad chews. Full […]

Siós Pla Del Lladoner 2013, Costers del Segre, Spain



A fascinating contrast between this pair – both are very tasty. Clos du Gaimont Vouvray Sec 2014, Loire, France (£10.99 Virgin Wines) Starts off all elbows, with taut, slightly bruised green apple and pear flavours tinged with notes of herbs and pebbles, and with its zingy acidity front and centre. […]

Chenin Blanc from the Loire & South Africa


Thought long and hard before giving these low silver medals rather than high bronzes, but since they deliver so much pleasure and I’m in a good mood… Campriano Chianti Colli Senesi 2013, Tuscany, Italy (£11.45/£10.17 by the case Haynes Hanson & Clark) A friendly, juicy gush of dark cherry, red berry […]

Two Chiantis


Clos Rocailleux Gaillac Blanc 2013, South West France (£11.99 Red Squirrel Wine) A wine of two halves, the bracing citrus and herb aromas and bready/yeasty character seem promising, but when you come to taste it, it seems to be lacking freshness, offering up bruised green apple flavours with nutty overtones. […]

Two white wines from Southern France