Abbaye Sylva Plana Faugères Les Novices 2012, Languedoc, France (N/A in the UK) Lovely fresh wine which wouldn’t object to quarter of an hour in the fridge, abundant red fruit with earthy, sandy overtones and a tangy citrus freshness to perk it up. S- Domaine Les Grands Bois Côtes du […]
Syrah/Shiraz
Alpha Domus AD The Aviator 2007, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (~£30 McKinley Vintners) Complete, complex wine, with deep, dark berry, plum and blackcurrant flavours enhanced by an earthy, tobacco leaf character and a dense, almost savoury finish. Great combo of plushness with freshness, fine-grained tannins and great length, served the […]
Wine Tasting Video: Cabernet Sauvignon-based reds
Domaine Castan Carignan Pays d’Hérault 2012, Languedoc, France (~£10.50 Smithfield Wine) Soft, sweet, clean and fresh, a touch of jammy dodger to the red cherry and raspberry flavours, hints of herbs and a chewy finish. Also a slightly peppery edge that speaks of reduction. B Domaine Castan Grenache Pays d’Hérault […]
Wine Tasting Video: Spicy Reds from the Languedoc, New Zealand ...
You know those Tom & Jerry cartoons when Tom has an angel on one shoulder whispering something in one ear and a demon on the other telling him the opposite? That’s how I used to feel about wine and Christmas. Yes, I know it’s the season of peace on earth […]
Three wines for Christmas
The Liberator “Francophile” Syrah 2012, Stellenbosch (£10-£12 Corks Out, Dorset Wine Company, Dropwines Ltd, George Hill Ltd, The Wine Reserve, SA Wines Online, Villeneuve Wines, The Wright Wine Co) Crunchy young wine, vibrant and punchy with floral scented dark berry and blackcurrant fruit tinged with spice and a roasted note, […]
Wine Tasting Video: South African Syrah
Badenhorst Family Wines Secateurs Red Blend 2011, Coastal Region (£11.50 Swig, Oxford Wine Co, Harvey Nichols, Good Wine Shop, St Andrews Wine Shop, Woodwinters, Handford, Roberson, Stone Vine & Sun, Philglas & Swiggot) Smells as if it’s going be a little jammy – remember Jammie Dodgers? – but it’s actually […]