Clare Valley


We’re getting near the end of 31 Days of Riesling, but there’s still time for this lovely trio Exquisite Collection Riesling 2016 (made by Wakefield/Taylors), Clare Valley, Australia (£6.99 Aldi) Zesty youngster, all sleek and stony, with taut lemon and lime flavours, a richer apple-y candy floss character and even […]

Three lovely Rieslings from Australia, New Zealand & Germany


Oenomancy Red Blend 2014, Paarl, South Africa (£12.99 Laithwaites) Warm and ripe with a dusty plummy character and a touch of chocolate wafer biscuit. There’s also a slight edge of volatility when you smell it, but while this blends in with the fruit flesh, the tannins are just a touch […]

Shiraz from South Africa and Australia


No videos for the next fortnight – I’m doing a catch-up of wines I’ve tasted in the last few months but which for some reason didn’t make it onto film (or SD card). So here goes… Chateau Tayac Margaux 2007, Bordeaux, France (£14.99 31dover.com) Gentle and juicy, now mature, but there’s […]

Some Bordeaux-inspired reds



Wakefield Estate Riesling 2014, Clare Valley, Australia (£13 Wright Wine Company, Denby Dale Wines, Oliver’s Beer and Wine, Oz Wines) Still has its youthful tension, with zingy citrus fruit and a stony spine, but there’s also juiciness, with what I call a dusting of icing sugar – you know the […]

Two Rieslings from Wakefield Wines, Clare Valley



Great winter warmer – although maybe next winter rather than this one… Wakefield Estate Shiraz 2013, Clare Valley, Australia (£12.99 Majestic, Eden Fine Wines, Hammonds of Knutsford) On the young side – the toasty oak ideally needs another few months to calm down – but this is lovely warm hearted […]

Wakefield Estate Shiraz 2013, Clare Valley, Australia