Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay 2008, Margaret River (£20.50 Domaine Direct) Rich but refined style with tangy apple and nectarine flavours set against a creamy leesy richness. More forward than the Art Series bottling, but still a classy mix of richness and restraint. S- Xanadu Chardonnay 2008, Margaret River (£12.85 AG Wines, […]
Victoria
Just returned from a fortnight in Australia in which I slept in nine different beds in eleven days – makes me sound a bit like a rock star… Fitted in time in the Hunter, Clare & Barossa Valleys and Tasmania, home of vast number of dead kangaroos and possums (or […]
The best Chardonnay in the southern hemisphere?
Crossroads Merlot 2008, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (£11.50 Mentzendorff) Ripe, but with some leafy freshness to its bright blackcurrant & berry flavours and tinges of chocolatey oak, OK, but just a bit simple & fruity. B- Crossroads Talisman 2008, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (£19 Mentzendorff) More of that chocolate wafer […]
Argentine Malbec, New Zealand Merlot, Australian Cabernet & more
First Drop Wines Bella Coppia Arneis 2009, Adelaide Hills, Australia (£12.99 from October 2010 New School Wines Ltd, The Secret Cellar, Cambridge Wine Merchants) Clean, fresh and zesty, combining fleshy pear fruit with crisp citrussy acidity and a slightly briny/savoury finish. B+ Zalze Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2009, Western Cape, […]
Three Cape Chenin Blancs + Viognier, Arneis & Marsanne
McHenry Hohnen Cabernet/Merlot 2008, Margaret River (£9.99 Majestic) Surprisingly forward, rounded wine, showing just the right amount of leafy mint and eucalyptus character alongside juicy plummy fruit, hints of leather and tobacco and smooth ripe tannins. B+ Averys Pioneer Barossa Shiraz 2007 – made by Yalumba (£8.99 Averys) A lovely […]
Three Australian Shirazes + a Margaret River blend
Part 2 of my look at a selection of wines from Naked Wines – Part 1 is here. (any topic you’d like to see me covering in forthcoming videos? Do leave a comment below) Monowai Pinot Noir 2006, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (£10.99 www.nakedwines.com) The berry fruit’s a little stewed, […]