…beginning in Portugal
Quinta Nova Reserva Terroir Blend 2015, Douro, Portugal (£16.48 Portugal Vineyards)
Smells like a port winery at vintage time, the air thick with heady aromas of berries, cassis, violet and herbs, buoyant, spicy dark fruit flavours in abundance and a backbone of citrus freshness and ripe tannin – vibrant, joyful wine, I love it. S
Now onto France…
Cirque de Navacelles Réserve d’Héric Coteaux du Languedoc 2016, France (£9.99 Virgin Wines)
Starts off seemingly a bit sweet and simple, with a lightly confected blackberry and raspberry pastille character, but then opens up to show a more fragrant side, with a dusty note to the gentle liquorice scented fruit, and a finish that manages to be both firm and refreshing. S-
Next stop, Croatia
Josić Ciconia Nigra Cuvée Superior 2013, Slavonia, Croatia (£18 Wine & More)
Seems quite mature, with a hint of brown to the colour, and no shortage of soft juicy plummy fruit flavour. However, there’s a bitter, resinous edge that speaks of clumsy use of perhaps not the highest grade of oak barrels. Shame, as the fruit seemed decent. B-
Next, America North…
The Folk Machine Parts & Labor Red Wine 2016, California (£16 Armit Wines)
The sort of wine California really should do more of, young, fresh and gluggable, with a slightly confected edge to the red and black fruit flavours and nots of tar and violet to add further interest. Sausages please. S(-)
…then America South
Viñalba 50/50 Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Mendoza, Argentina (£12.99/£9.99 mixed 6 Majestic)
Maybe there’s a touch of jamminess (remember Jammie Dodger biscuits?) but this is never too loud. Has the warmth of very ripe (plum and blackcurrant) fruit, along with notes of tobacco and violets, and a juicy, almost tangy finish. B+
And finally Africa South
Big Bill’s Red 2015, Western Cape, South Africa (£8.99 Ocado)
Quite weighty with a streak of juicy blackcurrant and berry flavour and a touch of liquorice, but there’s a dry/baked edge that speaks of fruit that’s shrivelled on the vine. C+
Warwick Estate Cape Lady Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Western Cape, South Africa (£8.50 Morrisons)
A gentle but confident wine, has a touch of the baked berry character of the above, but overall the flavours are softer and more appealing, and there are notes of mint and herbs to add further character. Very good at this price. B+