Craft 3 Chenin Blanc 2016, Helderberg, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£10 Marks & Spencer) Takes a while to open up but the wait is worth it. There’s a slightly smoky note from oak, a floral freshness with headier, musky honeysuckle and honey notes, and a core of ripe apple and pear, […]
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Castèllo Solicchìata 2011, Sicilia, Italy (£22 Laithwaites) Slightly rustic volatile aroma initially but this diminishes with time to show Morello cherry and blackcurrant flavours pepped up with hints of tar and leafy tobacco. Fresh finish, but there’s a slightly dry, raisinny feel, as if some of the grape were a […]
Castèllo Solicchìata 2011, Sicilia, Italy
Altaïr Sideral 2014, Cachapoal, Chile (£20 Hanging Ditch) Desperately young wine, very Chilean in its blackcurrant intensity, and with the imprint of new oak still to the fore, but behind the currently shouty youthful flavours, there are notes of spice, tobacco and herbs, and enough of a backbone to support […]
Altaïr Sideral 2014, Cachapoal, Chile
La Grille Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Loire Valley, France (£8 Majestic) Brisk, bracing style, tangy citrus fruit pepped up by hints of herbs and elderflower, with a light ‘feline’ edge adding further interest – in a good way… B(-) Masson Blondelet Pouilly Fumé 2015, Loire, France (£15.99 Ocado) The richness […]
Three wines from the Loire Valley, France
Ceci n’est pas un Cigare Volant 2014, Central Coast, California (£15.99 Laithwaites) Wonderfully enticing wine, packed with life and freshness, with sandy/spicy overtones to the vibrant red berry and cherry flavours and a light floral fragrance, light in body but full in flavour, and dangerously gluggable. S(+)
Ceci n’est pas un Cigare Volant 2014, Central Coast, California
Emiliana Signos de Origen ‘La Vinilla’ 2015, Casablanca, Chile (£15 Hanging Ditch) Fascinating wine, doesn’t try to overwhelm you with weight but instead lures you in with its ever-so-slightly exotic musky pear and peach flavours, floral aromas and refined citrus freshness. More wines like this please Chile… S(-)