If you’d asked me in advance which of these would be my favourites, I don’t think I’d have been too close… Sol de Sol Pinot Noir 2010, Malleco, Chile (£19.95 Winety) Very impressive wine, lithe and fragrant, with a fresh and lightly cooked strawberry edge, s touch of leafy eucalyptus […]
Wine Education
A big name in mouth-watering form… Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand (~£20 widely available) Sprightly wine, classic Spring flavours – cut grass, taut citrus tang, a touch of herbs – then fleshier rhubarb and passionfruit notes break through, but there’s always this spine of zesty acidity plus […]
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand
A wine that will divide opinions Champ Divin Pollux Côtes du Jura 2009, France (£17.20 Tanners) An assault on the senses, almost like a cross between plump Chardonnay and cider that has then been infused with lots of briny/yeasty character, along with nuances of herbs and fennel. Intriguing, certainly, but […]
Champ Divin Pollux Côtes du Jura 2009, France
Three different Chardonnays, three different countries, three different styles… Champ Divin Côtes du Jura Chardonnay 2013, France (£15.60 Tanners) Sets precise citrus fruit against muskier pineapple and hazelnut flavours, and adds is flor-like élevage elements for good measure. Lovely fresh, complex style, shames many similarly-priced Burgundies. S Torres Gran Viña Sol […]
Chardonnays from Jura, Spain & Chile
Marlborough Sauvignon, but not as we know it… Brancott Estate Sauvignon Gris 2013, Marlborough, New Zealand (£10.49 Tesco, Asda, Ocado) Has some of the crisp lemon and lime character of Sauvignon Blanc, but instead of the ‘green’ flavours – cut grass, herbs etc – there’s muskier pear and peach notes. […]
Brancott Estate Sauvignon Gris 2013, Marlborough, New Zealand
If it’s not beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, then maybe a slug or two of this will help… Harveys Signature 12 Year Old Cream Sherry, Spain (£11.99 per 50cl Tesco) Packed with Christmas cake flavours – fig, walnut, candied peel and raisin, plus notes of cloves and cinnamon […]