Fratelli Classic Red 2011, Maharashtra, India (contact Hallgarten Druitt) Buoyant young wine with vibrant plum and raspberry flavours and plenty of freshness – wouldn’t object to half an hour in the fridge before serving. B- Ridgeback Vansha SGMV 2010, Paarl, South Africa (£9.99 The Real Wine Company) Full and ripe […]
Cabernet Franc
Chateau Maine-Martin Bordeaux Supérieur Vieilles Vignes 2005 (£8.55 Caves de Pyrene) Graceful, cedary, mature claret, more on the berry (red and black) than blackcurrant side, supple and with a leafy vibrancy, still a touch of chewy tannin but not for further keeping. B+ Château Les Gravières de la Brandille Bordeaux […]
Wine Tasting Video: 2005 Red Bordeaux
El Patito Feo Graciano Roble 2009, Navarra, Spain (£8.99 Virgin Wines) Slightly boisterous youngster at the present, but calms down to show pure, plush blueberry and blackberry flesh, a fresher raspberry edge, notes of clove and new leather, and a warm dusty finish. B+ Tesco Finest* Viña Mara Rioja Reserva, […]
Wine Tasting Video: Spanish reds from Rioja, Navarra & Penedes
Prestige de Calvet Bordeaux Rouge Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (£10-50-£11 Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons) Quite simple, but has a friendly roundness, with juicy crunchy plum, blackcurrant and blueberry flesh and a touch of toffee. But a daft price. C+ Château Brassac Bordeaux Supérieur 2009 (£11.99 selected Co-operative stores) A year older, but […]
Wine Tasting Video: Merlot-based reds from Bulgaria & Bordeaux
Tesco Finest Château Haut Langlade, Montagne St Emilion 2008 (£9.30 Tesco) There’s decent, slightly baked berry and blackcurrant fruit here, but there’s also a slightly cheesy note, and while I don’t mind the smoky bacon edge to the oak, there’s just a touch of greenness, although it finishes well. B(-) […]
Wine Tasting Video: Six reds from Bordeaux
Louis Jadot Beaujolais Rosé 2008, Burgundy, France (£8.99 Tesco) A classic spring wine, with flavours of crushed, ever-so-slightly cooked strawberries, some green apple freshness and a juicy, crunchy finish. B+ Le Rosé de Larcis Ducasse 2008, Bordeaux, France (~£10.50) Dry and gentle, not as sappy as the Jadot, but fuller […]