Yearly Archives: 2011


Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay 2008, Margaret River (£20.50 Domaine Direct) Rich but refined style with tangy apple and nectarine flavours set against a creamy leesy richness. More forward than the Art Series bottling, but still a classy mix of richness and restraint. S- Xanadu Chardonnay 2008, Margaret River (£12.85 AG Wines, […]

Wine Tasting Video: Four Australian Chardonnays


Tasted 10 Pinots one afternoon, and split them over two videos. This should have been the second installment, but it’s ended up being the first. The first (with some Aussie and NZ Pinots) is here. Laroche Viña Punto Alto El Chaparro Pinot Noir 2009, Casablanca, Chile (£16.99 Liberty Wines) Classic […]

Wine Tasting Video: Pinot Noir from Chile and France




Paul Cluver Pinot Noir 2009, Elgin (£14-15 SA Wines Online, Vivat Bacchus, High Timber Restaurant) Big toasty oak is the first thing you notice, then raspberries, strawberries (both fresh and cooked) and plums, quite rich, ripe and tasty, but just a little too correct. B(+) Newton Johnson Pinot Noir 2009, […]

Wine Tasting Video: Three South African Pinot Noirs


Tenuta Degli Dei ‘Le Redini’ IGT Toscana 2008, Italy (~£18) Quite a lush modern style with berry, sour cherry and damson skin flavours, Alicante adding some iron and herbiness and oak giving a smoky vanilla sheen, finishes in gentle, soft and supple style but maybe just too smooth? S- Caiarossa […]

Wine Tasting Video: Three Italians and a Zinfandel


A selection of wines I tasted from bodegas in Castilla y Leon (NW Spain) – apparently none is currently represented in the UK, although I’m sure I’ve seen the excellent Carmelo Rodero wines here – maybe with The Winery? Ledo .8 Bierzo Crianza 2007 Soft, juicy, fragrant style, has the […]

Wine Tasting Video: Bierzo, Cigales & Ribera del Duero