Cabernet Sauvignon


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


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


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



April 17th is Malbec World Day (yes, that’s what the organisers call it, no idea why, imagine if we had Book World Day). So to get the party started, a varietal Malbec, plus a Malbec-heavy blend. Doña Paula ‘Paula’ Malbec 2017, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (£9.99 Spirited Wines, strictlywine.co.uk) […]

In celebration of Malbec World Day 2018…


…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…


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