Yearly Archives: 2014

Made for Tesco by Baron de Ley, this 100% Tempranillo Rioja is pretty decent grog Viña Mara Rioja Reserva 2008, Spain (£9.49 Tesco) Calm, mellow and relaxed Rioja, with classic velvety vanilla sheen and coconutty allure adding extra layers to the gentle red berry and orange peel flavours. Mature, but still […]

Viña Mara Rioja Reserva 2008, Spain

by
A bit less blatant than many a Torrontés, and all the better for it Dante Robino Torrontés 2012, Mendoza, Argentina (£7.95 Saddleworth Wine Vault) Quite a dainty and fresh style, with ginger-tinged apricot and peach flavours, a light floral character and zesty citrus acidity to keep it all perky. B(+)

Dante Robino Torrontés 2012, Mendoza, Argentina

by
Think I’ve had better vintages of this… Marques de Borba Alentejo Tinto 2012, Portugal (£8.99 Classic Drinks, Tanners, Adnams, MacBrayne Wines, Halifax Wines, Bowland Forest Vintners, Borough Wines) I like the generous plummy berry fruit and the nuances of vanilla and tobacco, but the hard finish puts me off – might […]

Marques de Borba Alentejo Tinto 2012, Portugal

by
Nearly a very good wine but… Château Lacombe Noaillac Médoc 2009, Bordeaux, France (contact Le Verre Gourmand, Supertravel Ski) Young, vigorous style, plenty of gutsy dark fruit, and quite a strong roasted character, but with that savoury note of brett found in so much Bordeaux drying out the finish. With […]

Château Lacombe Noaillac Médoc 2009, Bordeaux, France

by
Have to say that I’m not usually a huge Carmenère fan, but this one hit the spot Morandé Reserva Carmenère 2010, Maipo, Chile (£10.29 The DrinkShop, The Wine Company) Classic combination of plus blackcurrant and dark berry flesh with earthy coffee bean and just enough of the green pepper tang […]

Morandé Reserva Carmenère 2010, Maipo, Chile

by