Château des Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rosé 2013, France (£15.99 Bibendum, TheDrinkShop.com) A previous bottle of this was extremely awkward and pongy, like it was having a really bad hair day (see here). This one – tasted just a fortnight later – was better. There’s still a light sulphury whiff […]
Chile
Louis Jadot Côte de Beaune Villages 2011, Burgundy, France (£16.75 Majestic, NISA, Constantine Stores, Bacchus Wine, Noble Green Wines, Village Wines, Cotswold Vintners, Eagle Wines, Partridges of Sloane Street, winedirect.co.uk) Typical young Jadot style, with great depth of plummy red berry fruit and an earthy undercurrent in a firm, tannic […]
Pinot Noir from Chile, Burgundy and California
Blason de Bourgogne Chablis La Réserve 2012, Burgundy, France (£12.99 Sainsbury’s) Typical (decent) Chablis, seems as if it’s going to be quite rich, creamy and nutty, but then the citrus finesse kicks in, along with a touch of brine. B+ Kalfu Kuda Unoaked Chardonnay 2013, Leyda, Chile (£11.99 The Wine […]
Chardonnays from France, Chile, South Africa & California
I detect something of the influence of Australian John Duval in this promising youngster. Viña Ventisquero Apalta Vineyard Grey Label Syrah 2011, Colchagua, Chile (£12.99 Slurp) There’s more polished warmth here than in many Chilean Syrahs. It’s rich but fresh, with a peppery sun-dried tomato tinge to the rich rounded […]
Viña Ventisquero Apalta Vineyard Grey Label Syrah 2011, Colchagua, Chile
Many young reds are all the better for a couple of hours breathing, but this was its best as soon as I’d opened it Errázuriz Estate Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Maipo, Chile (£9.99 Morrisons) Warm, plush and rounded style, with hearty berry and blackcurrant, the vanilla edge of oak, and […]
Errázuriz Estate Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Maipo, Chile
Have to say that I’m not usually a huge Carmenère fan, but this one hit the spot Morandé Reserva Carmenère 2010, Maipo, Chile (£10.29 The DrinkShop, The Wine Company) Classic combination of plus blackcurrant and dark berry flesh with earthy coffee bean and just enough of the green pepper tang […]