…in nicely contrasting styles Pablo y Walter Malbec 2013, Mendoza, Argentina (£7-£10 Vino Wines, Italian Continental Stores, D.Byrne, Tiny’s Tipples, Saddleworth Wine Vault) Sprightly, bouncy style of Malbec, conceals its 14.5% alcohol well, with the accent instead being on bright, violet scented dark berry and chocolate flavours, with just a […]
Yearly Archives: 2016
Little brother, big brother… Il Colle Rosso di Montalcino 2012, Tuscany, Italy (£15.15 Haynes Hanson & Clark – they’ve now moved onto the 2013) Lots of juicy dark fruit, flavours, Morello cherry especially, and notes of cola and slightly cooked tomato too, nearly very good, but it’s let down by just […]
Two reds from Montalcino
Have to say that I prefer the Sauvignons from these two domaines… Denis Jamain ‘Les Pierres Plates’ Reuilly Rouge 2013, Loire, France (£14.95 Berry Bros & Rudd) 2013 wasn’t the best of vintages in the Loire, and while there’s OK red fruit flavours here, this is just a little fey […]
Two Pinot Noirs from the Loire Valley
After yesterday’s white duo, here are five red gems from southern France – does anywhere in the world offer better value? Domaine Bertrand-Bergé Fitou ‘Origines’ 2013, Languedoc, France (£7.95 The Wine Society) Gentle herby ripe berry and plum, tangy and lifted flavours, very easy to drink, but with some earthy […]
Five delicious Southern French reds
Really enjoyed these two Mas Lavail Terre d’Ardoise Carignan Blanc Vieilles Vignes Côtes Catalanes* 2014, Languedoc, France (£11.99 Majestic) Yes, White Carignan. Gentle, relaxed style, with lightly floral, herby overtones to the pear and quince flavours and a sappy salty bite on the finish, like Sauvignon without the shriek. S- […]
A couple of delicious whites from southern France
These two are from the 2015 releases of González Byass’ Finos Palmas range – the higher the number of Palmas, the older the fino… González Byass Una Palma Fino NV (2015 release), Spain (~£12.50/500 ml Cambridge Wines, H2Vin, Lea & Sandeman, The Wine Society, Cheers) Bracing, briny style, dense and […]