Merlot

As of course you know, Caracal is another name for the desert lynx… Neethlingshof The Caracal 2011, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£14.99 Majestic) Intense and fruity, with slightly stewed dark berry and blackcurrant flesh lifted by floral aromas and a herbal note. Some toasty/cedary oaky influence, but it’s in balance with […]

Neethlingshof The Caracal 2011, Stellenbosch, South Africa

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A consistent performer for forty years, and still going strong… Wirra Wirra Church Block 2012, McLaren Vale, Australia (£13.49 Waitrose, Ocado, Tesco, TheDrinkShop.com) Ripe fleshy cassis tinged with notes of smoky, earthy spice, some classic Aussie mint/eucalyptus notes, and a leathery note to the finish that will get stronger as […]

Wirra Wirra Church Block 2012, McLaren Vale, Australia

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Just wish the person who made the first wine had been given the fruit from the second… Morrisons Claret NV, Bordeaux, France (£4.49 Morrisons) Hmmm. I don’t mind the leafy blackcurrant and blackberry character, sappy, earthy notes and fresh finish, but this is just too scrawny for real pleasure. C- […]

A couple of Merlot-y French reds

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A blend of Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Merlot The River Garden Rosé by Lourensford 2013, Western Cape, South Africa (£8.20 Cheers Wines Merchants, BJR Hanby, Luvians, The Leamington Wine Company, Beaconsfield Wine Cellars, winedirect.co.uk) Only 12.5% alcohol, but quite full in flavour, with some spice alongside the strawberry cordial flavour, finishes […]

The River Garden Rosé by Lourensford 2013, Western Cape, South ...

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No, 11 isn’t the vintage – this range includes GB 15 Pinot Grigio, GB56 Shiraz and so on… Grant Burge GB11 Rosé 2013, South Australia (£8.99 Nidderdale Fine Wines, The Wine Shop, www.thedrinkshop.com, Cheers Wine Merchants, Famous Wines) Quite deep in colour and I was expecting something rather sweet and […]

Grant Burge GB11 Rosé 2013, South Australia

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