Cabernet Franc

One’s made from the traditional Tuscan grape Sangiovese, the other speaks with a distinctly French accent… Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 2018, Tuscany, Italy(£19.99 Majestic, Mr Wheeler, Wine Direct) Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso 2019, Tuscany, Italy(£24.99 Majestic – Waitrose & Berry Bros & Rudd have the 2018)

Two interesting but rather different Tuscan reds

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If only all young Bordeaux Rouge were like this Jeroboams Bordeaux Rouge 2016 (François Thienpont), France (£13.45 Jeroboams) Young, fresh plummy claret, with juicy blackcurrant fruit in abundance, sympathetic use of oak, and a vibrant, perfumed finish. Rounded and appealing, but carries its 14% alcohol well. S-

Jeroboams Bordeaux Rouge 2016

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Fabre Montmayou Reservado Cabernet Franc 2015, Mendoza, Argentina (£15.99 Laithwaites) I don’t mind the cocoa-dusted dark berry and blackcurrant flavours and light leafy character, but it’s a little too controlled for my liking, with not enough of the Cab Franc fragrance. I thought it might open up with time but […]

Two Argentinean Cabernets

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…beginning in Portugal Quinta Nova Reserva Terroir Blend 2015, Douro, Portugal (£16.48 Portugal Vineyards) Smells like a port winery at vintage time, the air thick with heady aromas of berries, cassis, violet and herbs, buoyant, spicy dark fruit flavours in abundance and a backbone of citrus freshness and ripe tannin […]

A mixed bag of reds from around the world…

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Bit of a Bordeaux round-up today, starting with an excellent value Merlot-based wine Château Clos l’Eglise Côtes de Castillon 2002, Bordeaux, France (£13.95 From Vineyards Direct) Excellent value for mature claret, this is warm and juicy, and still has plenty of plummy blackcurrant and cedar character. Yes, there’s a touch […]

Five Bordeaux reds

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