After yesterday’s white duo, here are five red gems from southern France – does anywhere in the world offer better value? Domaine Bertrand-Bergé Fitou ‘Origines’ 2013, Languedoc, France (£7.95 The Wine Society) Gentle herby ripe berry and plum, tangy and lifted flavours, very easy to drink, but with some earthy […]
Cabernet Sauvignon
If only all sub-£10 Bordeaux was as good as this… Château Moulin des Richards Côtes de Bourg Cuvée Prestige 2011, Bordeaux, France (£8.45 From Vineyards Direct) Showing some plum jam maturity, but still very much alive, with rich, curranty berry and plum flavours, and an honest earthy finish. Yes, there’s […]
Château Moulin des Richards Côtes de Bourg Cuvée Prestige 2011
Thought that all Chilean vineyards were irrigated with water from the Andes? Think again… (JAN 2017 UPDATE – see end of this post…) Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Colchagua, Chile (£12.99 D Byrne & Co, Wright Wine Company, Gwin Llyn Wines, Hay Wines, The Old Bridge Wine Shop, Hennings Wine […]
Two vintages of Montes Alpha Cabernet: how much of a ...
Andrew Peace ‘The Unexpected’ 2014, Victoria, Australia (£5.99 The Co-op) Young fresh Aussie blend, with a minty note in among the berry and blackcurrant flavours, does have a bite of acidity and some spice, but veers towards the jammy dodger – fair enough at £6. C+ Mission Estate Cabernet/Merlot 2013, […]
Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends from Argentina, Australia & New Zealand
Same price, same region, but not same flavour… Château Haut Courneau Graves 2011, Bordeaux, France (£10.00 Oddbins) I like the sweet fleshy plummy berry flesh and hint of cedar; I’m less keen on the touch of greenness and slightly baked character, and I don’t think it’s going to get any […]
Two Bordeaux reds from Graves
Château de Ricaud Bordeaux Supérieur 2012, France (£9.99 Booths) Honest, juicy style, ripe plummy red berry flavours backed up by chewy but never harsh tannins, plus a refreshing finish. Good midweek quaff. B Château Fonguillon Montagne-Saint-Émilion 2012, Bordeaux, France (£9.99 Tesco) Deeper, darker style with plummy blackberry and blackcurrant flesh […]