Errázuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Aconcagua Valley, Chile (£14.75 Waitrose, Vino Wines, Hailsham Cellars, Partridges, Village Wines) Rounded and full but with a herbal freshness, this packs in plump, plummy berry and cassis flavours with a hint of eartniness and a touch of smoky oak, yet manages somehow to […]
Australia
Blind Spot Chardonnay 2016, Yarra Valley, Australia (£9.50 The Wine Society) Restrained, refined style, slowly uncurls to reveal delicate pear, nectarine and melon fruit, a nutty cashew edge and a precise stony citrus finish. Lovely texture too, excellent value. S- Louis Latour Mâcon-Lugny Les Genièvres 2015, Burgundy, France (£13.99 FL […]
Two Chardonnays from Australia & France
Blind Spot Garganega 2016, King Valley, Australia (£8.95 The Wine Society) Nice creamy texture, lightly peachy with a hint of blood orange and an exotic blossom edge, rounded but refreshing, with a juicy finish. S- Blind Spot Barbera 2015, King Valley, Australia (£9.50 The Wine Society) Not a as successful, […]
Italian grape varieties, Australian origin
…including some biggish names that weren’t quite as good as I’d have hoped… Clotilde Davenne Bourgogne Blanc 2014, France (was £10.95 From Vineyards Direct) From vineyards close to Chablis, so the pert, minerally character and mix of crispness and creaminess come as no surprise. Lovely balanced style, excellent value, the […]
Four Chardonnays from four countries
The Society’s Exhibition Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (Frog’s Leap), California (£18 The Wine Society) On the subtle side for Napa, but still with no shortage of blackberry and blackcurrant flavours, with some vanilla and spice to back it up. Tasty now, but there’s freshness and ripe tannin here, so […]
A trio of Cabernet Sauvignon-influenced reds
Yalumba Old Bush Vine Grenache 2014, Barossa, Australia (£11-14 Morrisons, Co-op, Tesco, Flagship Wines) Pale but interesting, with light mint and herb notes pepping up sprightly red berry flavours, and with a savoury edge to its juicy, friendly finish. S(-) Wirra Wirra The Absconder Grenache 2014, McLaren Vale, Australia (~£40) […]