Oenomancy Red Blend 2014, Paarl, South Africa (£12.99 Laithwaites) Warm and ripe with a dusty plummy character and a touch of chocolate wafer biscuit. There’s also a slight edge of volatility when you smell it, but while this blends in with the fruit flesh, the tannins are just a touch […]
Paarl
A year apart, a continent apart, a league apart? Plaisir de Merle Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Paarl, South Africa (£14.99 SA Wines Online) I like the restrained plum, berry and blackcurrant flavours, and I don’t mind the slight hint of tomato-like volatility and dark chocolate character. However, there’s a slightly dank […]
Cabernet Sauvignon from Paarl, South Africa and Coonawarra, Australia
De Bortoli Windy Peak Chardonnay 2012, Yarra Valley, Australia (£11.99 Majestic) Young, Mâcon-like in style, with orchard fruit, fresh and ever-so-slightly cooked, a touch of nutty uncooked cake mix and a sappy refreshing citrussy finish. A good honest glass of wine. S- Glen Carlou ‘Quartz Stone’ Chardonnay 2011, Paarl, South […]
Wine Tasting Video: Chardonnay from South Africa, Slovenia & Australia
So why’s there a Madeira in among all these reds? The answer is chocolate… Changyu Cabernet Blend 2011, Ningxia, China (£9.90 currently not in the UK) Has the gentle leathery character and slightly figgy dark fruit of mature but not especially great Bordeaux, plus a slightly smoky note. OK, but […]
Wine Tasting Video: Red wines from China, France, Argentina & ...
Fratelli Classic Red 2011, Maharashtra, India (contact Hallgarten Druitt) Buoyant young wine with vibrant plum and raspberry flavours and plenty of freshness – wouldn’t object to half an hour in the fridge before serving. B- Ridgeback Vansha SGMV 2010, Paarl, South Africa (£9.99 The Real Wine Company) Full and ripe […]
Wine Tasting Video: Syrah/Shiraz from South Africa & India
Yali Wetland Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2011, Colchagua, Chile (£6.99 Morrisons) Not much to start with but then opens up to show fresh but gentle red berry, blackcurrant and redcurrant fruit freshened up by notes of citrus and baked apple. B(-) Guerrieri Rizzardi Bardolino DOC Chiaretto 2011, Veneto, Italy (£12.99 Harrods, […]