Really like both of these, although they’re quite different – go for the first if you want fruit impact, the second if you prefer more minerally aspects Emile Balland ‘Les Beaux Jours’ Coteaux du Giennois 2014, Loire, France (£12.99 Oxford Wine Company) Lots of flavour here, with gooseberries & blackcurrant […]
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I thought the idea of Gran Reserva was that the wines had mellowed through the 5+ years of aging. Not this one… Ramón Bilbao Rioja Gran Reserva 2008, Spain (£14.95-£16.95 Hercules Wine Warehouse, Noel Young, Sandhams, The Wine Reserve, Concept Fine Wines) Still a pup, with oak coming through strongly […]
Ramón Bilbao Rioja Gran Reserva 2008, Spain
Simonnet-Febvre Irancy 2013, Burgundy, France (£14 Marks and Spencer) Hmm, almonds & strawberry jam, red wine isn’t supposed to smell like Battenberg. Possibly an oxidised bottle? Certainly not good on this showing. 0 La Tour de Brully Mercurey ‘Champ-Pillot’ 2013, Burgundy, France (£14.95 From Vineyards Direct) Much more like it, […]
Two Red Burgundies
Domaine de l’Ermitage Menetou-Salon Blanc 2014, Loire, France (£12.95 From Vineyards Direct) Really grown-up style of Sauvignon, fruity with lemon, apple and greengage to the fore, but also herby/earthy restraint, and keen sappy bite to the finish. S- Aotea Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Nelson, New Zealand (£15 Flagship Wines, Aged in […]
Sauvignon Blanc: the Loire & Nelson
Vignobles Jeanjean Mas Neuf Pays d’Oc Muscat Sec 2014, Languedoc, France (£9.99 Majestic) Sprightly young style, with grapey intensity but also notes of apple, citrus and Gewürz-like lychee and spice. Very tasty. B+ Domaine d’Aupilhac Coteaux du Languedoc Blanc ‘Les Cocalières’ 2014, France (£14.95 The Wine Society) Rich, heady, exotic […]
Two white wines from southern France
Delaire Graff Estate Shiraz 2013, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£9.99 31dover.com) Juicy young style showing sweet spicy berry and plum fruit, a savoury/tomato-like character and a touch of chocolate on the finish. Rich but always fresh, good for a few years to come. S- Mont Rochelle Syrah 2008, Franschhoek, South Africa […]