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Houghton The Bandit Shiraz/Tempranillo 2008, Western Australia (£8.99 – available from Spring 2010) Young but not disturbingly so, with bright strawberry, blackcurrant and jammy dodger fruit, a touch of reduction and hints of mint and milk chocolate. B(+) D’Arenberg “d’Arry’s Original” Shiraz Grenache 2006, McLaren Vale, South Australia (£9.95-£12.99 The […]

Australian Shiraz – with variations


Is the best-known white wine grape in the world improved with a dollop of Viognier? Not necessarily, although the results can be interesting… Miguel Torres Cordillera Chardonnay 2008, Curico, Chile (£9.99 Grapevine, Nicholas Corke Fine Wines, Roberts & Speight) (15% Viognier in the blend) Gentle citrus, just-ripe peach and pear, […]

Chardonnay – better with or without Viognier?


Blason de Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune 2007, Burgundy, France (£9.99 Sainsburys) There’s some light cherry and raspberry fruit here, but it’s swamped by a weird dusty/stale chocolate edge. Hope this is a bad bottle… 0 Louis Latour Givry 2007, Burgundy, France (~£12.99 Ann et Vin, T Wright, Forth Wines, Hailsham […]

Pinot Noir – the world’s greatest grape, or just its ...



Cantiga Rioja Crianza 2006 (£8.99 The Real Wine Company) Refreshing, vibrant style of wine, with ruddy wild strawberry and plum flesh tinged with cinnamon and clove, and finely-tuned oak adding a touch of vanilla – very tasty and beautifully balanced. S Viña Pomal Rioja Reserva 2003 (£10.99 Majestic) Showing some […]

Four Spanish reds – Rioja and Vinos de Madrid


Domaine du Tariquet Sauvignon Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne 2008, South West France (~£5-6) Clean, fresh, herbaceous wine, touches of tomato and gooseberry, starts of refreshing but the finish is slightly lifeless. B- Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Central Valley, Chile (£6.99 Sainsbury’s, Asda – both are […]

Four Sauvignons – but not all Blanc


Domaine du Tariquet Ugni Blanc/Colombard Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne 2008, South-West France (~£5-6) Crisp, almost Sauvignon-like, with greengage, citrus and herb flavours. Lovely zippy youngster, fresh and zesty, with a quite rich, grassy finish. B Argento Pinot Grigio 2009, Mendoza, Argentina (£5.99 Majestic) Simple, fresh, vaguely nutty […]

Four Assorted White Wines from Argentina, France and Italy