Merlot


Mirabeau Côtes de Provence Rosé 2010, France (£8.99 Waitrose) There’s an almost sandy note to this juicy but elegant young rosé, along with fresh strawberry, redcurrants and blackcurrant leaf flavours and a tangy refreshing finish. S- El Prado Tempranillo Rosado 2010, Valencia, Spain (£4.99 Waitrose) Not the most complex of […]

Wine Tasting Video: Rosés from France, Chile, Spain and Portugal


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 […]

Wine Tasting Video: Rosés from France, Australia and Argentina



Yali National Reserva Cabernet Franc 2009, Colchagua (£8.19 Morrisons) Has the typical Chilean blackcurrant pastille character, along with quite rich, earthy, chocolatey richness, but ultimately misses out on the Cab Franc fragrance, and feels just too warm and rich. B- Torres Cordillera Carmenère/Merlot/Petit Verdot 2007, Central Valley (£11.99 Partridges, Gales […]

Wine Tasting Video: Seven reds from Chile



Tenuta Degli Dei ‘Le Redini’ IGT Toscana 2008, Italy (~£18) Quite a lush modern style with berry, sour cherry and damson skin flavours, Alicante adding some iron and herbiness and oak giving a smoky vanilla sheen, finishes in gentle, soft and supple style but maybe just too smooth? S- Caiarossa […]

Wine Tasting Video: Three Italians and a Zinfandel