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January 2017, WineLovers2: TUTORED TASTING I really enjoyed having a guest tutor and Brian did a great job of enthusing us, and also helping us get in some practice before our own 'Sock' wine tasting in April - yes it's nearly that time again. I attach details of the wines we tasted. They are all from Majestic and the price quoted is the discounted price when you buy six or more bottles.
WineLovers2 January 9th 2017 All wines from Majestic. Prices with discount for buying 6 bottles or more
Wine Brand Grape Price
A Chablis 2015, Vocoret, France, 2015
Chardonnay £11.99
B Clos du Bois, Chardonnay, 2014, California, 2014
Chardonnay £10.99
C Domaine St Ferreol Viognier, France, 2015
Viognier £10.99
D Bellingham, The Bernard Series Viognier, South Africa, 2016
Viognier £9.99
E Peter Lehman Riesling, Australia, 2014/5
Riesling £8.99
F Dr Loosen Slate Hill Riesling, Germany, 2015
Riesling £8.99
G Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Merlot, 2015, Chile
Merlot £7.99
H Peirano Estate Six Clones Merlot, California, 2014
Merlot £12.99
I La Baume Grande Olivette Malbec, 2015
Malbec £6.99
J Hey Malbec! Matias Riccitelli, Chile, 2015
Malbec £9.99
K La La Land Tempranillo Australia 2015
Tempranillo £8.99
L Rioja REserva 2011 Marques de Caceres, Spain
Tempranillo £10.99
January 2017, WineLovers4: TUTORED TASTING OF SICILIAN WINES Alan Hinch and Steve Cliffe led a session on Sicilian wines with some very unusual grape varieties being featured. There were a number of pretty obscure grape varieties - Inzolia, Grecanico, Catarrato and Nerello to name a few. Top white by some margin was the Fiano - on this score a steal at £5.25 from Morrisons. Top reds were the Shiraz from M&S and the Nero d'Avola - again from Morrison's.
Tasting Notes Score
1 Fiano, 13% Morrisons, 2015, £5.25
Light lemon colour, very fruity taste – apple, grapefruit and white grapes, medium dry.
7.4
2 Isoletta Grillo, 13%, Majestic, 2015, £7.25
Light lemon colour, floral aroma, more acid than the Fiano, lingering after taste. Dry. Quite tasteless with an aroma of burnt tyres according to some.
5.9
3 Regaleali Case Vecchie, 12%, 2015, Majestic £6.99
Lemon colour. Oily, fruity nose. Smell of rotten leaves in a wood with notes of hay – according to some. Smooth fruity taste with hints of apple/lemon/grapefruit. Good after taste
5.5
4 Terre Siciliane Bianco, 12.5%, M&S, 2015, £7.00
Light colour. Easy drinkihg. Crisp, refreshing white wine. Fruity aroma and taste, gooseberry.
6.9
5 Catarrato Pinot Grigio, 11.5% 2015, M&S, £6.00
Almost colourless. Quite fizzy. Peculiar aroma – nail varnish? Apple? Off dry. Rather thin in the mouth with a hint of apple.
6.0
6 La Fortzza Merlot, 13%, 2015, M&S, £7.50
Ruby red colour. Quite oaky taste, with plum and blackberries and hints of herbs and spices. Good, well balanced tannins. Good body and pleasant after taste.
6.8
7 Sicilian Shiraz, 13.5%, 2015, M&S, £8.00
Very dark red colour. Aroma and taste of dark fruits, damsons with a hint of spice. Rich, subtle, fruity red. Smooth, pleasant drinking.
7.0
8 Nero d’Avola, 13%, Morrisons, £6.00
Burgundy colour. Rich and punchy. Aromas of vanilla and black fruits. Full of flavour, plums, hint of pepper. Pleasant after taste. Good balance. A bit sharp on the throat and slightly oaky.
6.9
9 Corolla Nero d’Avola, 13.5%, 2014, Majestic, £6.99
Rich red colour. Aroma of blackberries. Quite a dry, complex, tart flavour, hint of chocolate, fruits of the forest: blackberries, cherry and blueberry. Strong after taste but OK.
6.4
10 Contraqde Bellusa Nerello Mascalese, 13.5%, 2015,
Morrisons £ 7.50
A rich, plummy red. Blackberries and raspberries on the nose and in the mouth with some oak, good strong after taste.
6.8
February 2017, WineLovers2: PORTUGUESE WINES We had a b-y-o Portuguese wine tasting evening. Many thanks to Barbara for presiding and to Jill and Brian for the bread and cheese. There is a bit of a dearth of Portuguese wines at the moment so we actually had 6 bottles of the same wine! This is a b-y-o record for us. Altogether you tasted 15 bottles of 8 different wines. Top white as the Alvarinho and the top red was the Quinta de Fafide. both wines were under £12. Of the supermarket wines, the Morrison's Douro came out slightly ahead of the Tesco version.
Wine Tasting Notes Score
1 Cono Sur Reserva Especial
Riesling, Bio Bio Valley, Chile
13.5%, 2015, Tesco, £9
Light colour with a hint of green, light aroma with hints of apple, citrus, scrisp and dry
6.5
2 Terra d’Alter Viognier,
Alentejana region
Weavers, £11.65, Weavers
Straw coloured, elderflower on the nose, strong flavour, dry tangy, hint of mushroom
4.4
1a & 3
Casal Ventozela Alvarinho,
Minho region
2015, 13%, Majestic, £11.99
Fresh, effervescent, dry 6.9
4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13
Douro, Tempranillo, Touriga
Franca
Touriga Nacional
13%, 2014, Tesco, £5.69
Rich red colour. Dark fruit aroma. Very fruity according to one table, with a powdery aftertaste. Thin and no aftertaste according to another; needs ageing – currently too dry according to a third; dry and sharp on the tongue for the fourth
5.7
6 Quinta de Fafide, Tinta Roriz,
Touriga, Douro
2013, 14%, M&S, £11
Plums and vanilla on the tongue 7.2
7 & 9 Porta 6, Tinta Roriz, Castelao,
Touriga Nacional
13.5%, Majestic, £8.99
Full bodied, blackcurrant and plums, a winter warmer. Dark earthy taste, smooth, rich and fruity. Long after taste.
6.1
8 Douro, Morrison’s, (grape varieties?)
2015, 13.5%, £6
Dark red. Rich and fruity, black cherry, black and red berry. Long dry aftertaste. Great appetizer
6.2
14 Marques de Valido, Rioja,
Tempranillo
2012, 13%, Coop, £9
Lacked subtlety, active tannins 6.1
February 2017, WineLovers4: PORTUGUESE WINES We had a b-y-o Portuguese wine tasting evening. Many thanks to Maurice for the bread and cheese. There is a bit of a dearth of Portuguese wines at the moment so well done for finding so many different varieties. We tasted 13 different wines. There were several roses, but they generally didn’t find favour, with the exception of Sainsbury's. Top white was the Alvarinho and the top red was the Quinta de Fafide. Both wines were under £12. Portugal has apparently got around 250 native grape varieties and we seemed to taste quite a few of them. I have done a bit of internet research and the wine variety is shown in red in the tasting notes.
Wine Tasting Notes Score
1. Vinho Verde, 9%, Vinho Verde
region, Azal Branco, Pederna, 2015, Tesco, £5
Very pale, slightly effervescent, not much bouquet, green apple and grape notes in the mouth. Flabby according to some a nice aftertaste according to others.
4.9
1a Terra de Lobos, Tejo region,
Sauvignon Blanc, Fernao, Pires, 13%, 2015, £6.99
Pale straw colour, not much bouquet, apple and apricot in the mouth, crisp, fruity, easy drinking. Sharp farewell. Very refreshing
5.7
1b Casal Ventozela Alvarinho,
Minho region, 2015, 13%, Majestic, £11.99
Pale straw colour, mineral, vegetal bouquet, hints and elderflower, rhubarb, citrus, mineral notes in the mouth, fresh, lingering aftertaste. A bit bland according to some.
6.5
2. Portuguese Rose, Tejo, 13%,
2015, Waitrose, £5.99
Salmon pink. Little bouquet. Hint of strawberry, mineral notes. Driest of the roses. Fair body. Sad or dry finish, according to different tables.
4.9
3. Portuguese Rose, 10%, 2015,
Sainsbury,
Pale salmon pink. No bouquet. Pomegranate, grapefruit notes in mouth
6.6
3a Mateus Rose Classic, Baja,
Rufete, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, 11%, 2015, Sainsbury, £5
Mid rose pink. Hint of rose in bouquet. Petulant in mouth. Rather sweet. Notes of rose petal, strawberry. Short finish. A bit like ‘pop’
5.5
4. Portuguese Rose, 10.5%,
2015, Morrisons, £4.50
Rose pink. Hint of sherbet sweets. Strawberry and cherry notes with a hint of candy floss, fizzy pop.
4.8
5. Douro, Tempranillo, Touriga
Franca Touriga Nacional 13%, 2014, Tesco, £5.69
Good easy drinking. Bouquet of black fruits. Reasonably balanced. Rather dry finish.
5.9
6. Quinta de Fafide, Tinta Roriz,
Touriga, Douro, 2013, 14%, M&S, £11
Intense burgundy colour. Hint of port on nose, with lots of fruit, some oak. Blackberry, damson with a hint of tobacco, liquorice and spice. Lingering complex finish.
6.8
7. Portal d’Ouro, Doura region,
Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinto Barroca, 2014, 13%, Duncan Murray Wines
Intense burgundy colour. Spice notes on nose. In mouth, fruity, blackberry, rather sharp tannins, notes of leather, toast, tobacco and wood. Multi toned, layered flavour. Should improve further if cellared for a few years
6.5
8. Terra de Lobos, Tejo,
Castelao, Cab Sab, Alicante Bouchet, 13.5%, 2015,
Burgundy colour. In mouth, mellow black fruits, mineral notes and tobacco. Good balance. Grippy finish. Will improve further with age.
6.5
9. Smart Dog, Alentejo,
Syrah/Trincadeira, 2015, Weavers
Burgundy colour. Fruity bouquet. Black fruits in mouth with some pepper. Smooth, rich and full bodied. Well balanced. Grippy aftertaste
6.6
10. Porta 6, Tinta Roriz, Castelao,
Touriga Nacional, 13.5%, Majestic, £8.99
Dark burgundy. Fairly intense nose. Ripe blackberry, plums and blackcurrant in mouth with undertaste of earth and minerals. Quite dry, fruity after taste. A bit rustic according to some.
6.2
March 2017, WineLovers2: RIESLING & PRIMITIVO We tasted wines made from Riesling and Primitivo grape varieties. Tables were quite divided in their preferences and it was a rare wine that appealed to everyone. For once, however, the two favourite wines were also the most expensive: the Trimbach Riesling and the Primitivo di Maduria. The latter is often on offer at Waitrose at around £7.50. Many thanks to Jill and Brian who nobly purchased the bread and cheese even though they couldn't attend and thanks to David for helping me to set up and for acting as treasurer to the tastings.
Tasting Notes Score
1 Trimbach Riesling, Alsace, 2013, 12.5%, Wine Society,
£11.95
A pale straw colour with aroma of lemongrass, mown grass, citrus & green apples. Tasted of citrus, grapefruit & lemon. A dry wine with good finish that would go well with fish.
6.1
2 Vin d’Alsace Kleinfels Riesling, Cave de Beblenheim, 2015,
13.5%, Waitrose, £9.99
A golden colour with perfume, lychee, apple nose. Taste with a hint of oil, lemon & violets. Sweeter than No 1 with lingering aftertaste. One table did not like this, the others did.
5.6
3 Baily & Baily Folio Clare Valley Riesling, Australia, 2014,
11.5%, Waitrose, £8.49
A pale yellow with aroma of petrol & green pepper. Initially sharp on the tongue, slightly fizzy, with citrus ,lemony flavours. Two tables were not so keen.
5.2
4 The Wine Society’s Saar Riesling, Germany, 2014, 9.5%,
Wine Society, £9.50
A pale wine with fruity/grassy aroma. It was sweet with citrus flavours & a sweet, long after taste. It could be a sweet dessert wine. One table ( a different one ) did not like this.
5.0
5 I Muri Puglia Primitivo, Salento, Puglia, Italy, 13.5%, 2016,
Wine Society, £8.25
A deep ruby colour with cherry, blackberry, plum aroma. Tasted of cherries & blackberries with a slight woody dryness. It had a long finish & long legs. One table did not rate this wine, 3 others did.
5.8
6 Paololeo Primitivo di Manduria, Salento, Puglia, Italy, 2014,
14.5%, Waitrose, £10.99
A dark red with a blackcurrant, oaky, diesel, earthy nose! Tasted of liquorice, black fruits & tobacco. A longish finish that may mature even better in a few years.
6.6
7 Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, California, 2014,
14.5%, Wine Society, £8.95
A dark ruby colour with earthy, musty aroma. Tasted woody, smoky with black fruit , leather , damson & pepper notes. Rounded tannins which would age well.
6.5
March 2017, WineLovers4: RIESLING & PRIMITIVO We tasted wines made from Riesling and Primitivo grape varieties. Most people thought that the Trimbach Riesling was our top Riesling although the (much cheaper) Chilean was a good second. People didn't really rate the Primitivos all that much. Is it in the name? Perhaps I should have said that Primitivo means ripening early and not crude or rough! The Italians scored quite moderately well but the Californian Ravenswood score was brought down by one table who really didn't like it.
As for my attempt to magically improve an indifferent wine by sticking it in the cellar for 5 years, the least said the better! Still, a learning exercise.
Many thanks to Maurice and Sue for providing the bread and cheese.
Tasting Notes Score
1 Trimbach Riesling, Alsace, 2013, 12.5%, Wine Society,
£11.95
Pale. Fresh, fruity smell with lime and lemon. Sharp, crisp, light on the tongue. Grapefruit and apple notes with mineral and steel. Enjoyable and dry after taste. Good balance. Petrol note comes through late. Pleasant drinking.
6.2
2 Corte Ignacio Riesling, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 12% 2015,
Wine Society, £8.50
Pale. Hint of rubber on nose. Pepper, herbs, pear, lemon, apple and lime on the tongue. Initial taste light, after taste: sweet. Off dry.
6.0
3 The Wine Society’s Saar Riesling, Germany, 2014, 9.5%,
Wine Society, £9.50
Pale with a hint of gold. Perfumed, grassy smell with a hint of earth. Sweetest of the Rieslings Refreshing. Citrus. Short finish. Clears the palate. Drink with pudding.
5.1
4 Terre di Faiano, Primitive Organic Wine, Puglia, Italy,
13.5%, 2015 Waitrose, £9.49
Dark ruby. Bouquet of dark fruits, musk and bonfires, black cherries and caramel. Similar fruits in mouth with hint of violets and liquorice. Spicy and full bodied. Very smooth. Good body. Dry, earthy note in finish.
5.9
5 Paololeo Primitivo di Manduria, Salento, Puglia, Italy, 2014,
14.5%, Waitrose, £10.99
Dark intense ruby. Blackcurrant and tobacco on nose. In mouth, red and black fruits of the forest. Excellent legs. Rich and smooth. Spicy. Sharp aspect to finish. Alcohol comes through on the farewell. Would improve further with ageing.
5.9
6 Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, California, 2014,
14.5%, Wine Society, £8.95
Dark intense ruby. Subtle black fruit, leather oak and tobacco on nose. Cherries, raisins and blackberries in the mouth. Well integrated. Two tables didn’t like it, finding it too oaky with smoke and vinegar notes.
4.8
7 Turning Leaf Zinfandel, California, 13.5%, 2009, Morrisons
(and many other supermarkets) around £6
Dark ruby. Damson and liquorice on the nose. Fruity, smooth and strawberry and blackcurrant on the tongue. Medium bodied. Not bad for tis age. Smooth. One table found it disappointing with a nasty after taste.
4.6
April 2017, WineLovers2: SOCK WINE TASTING We enjoyed the grand annual sock wine tasting. All the wines were wines we have tasted over the last 15 months or so and all were highly rated at the time. Congratulations to everyone who took part. I haven't checked in detail but I have a feeling that more wines were correctly identified than in 2016. I attach a list of the wines with their prices and where I bought them from. Many thanks to David for acting as treasurer for the evening.
1. Errazuriz Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Chile, 13.5%, 2015, Majestic £7.99 (for 6)
2. Duo des Mers, Sauvignon/Viognier
Vin de France, 12.5%, 2016, Wine Society, £6.25
3. Koyle Don Kande Muscat, Bularco Single Vineyard
Chile, 12.5%,2016, Wine Society £7.95
4. Chateau de Pizay Morgon, Beaujolais, Gamay
13%, 2015, Majestic, £9.89 (for 6)
5. The Wine Society’s Exhibition Merlot, Peumo
Chile, 14%, 2015, £9.95
6. Hardy’s Bankside Shiraz
S.E. Australia, 13.5%, 2016, Morrisons £6.50
7. The Wine Society’s French Full Red, Cotes Catalanes,
Grenache and Carignan, 14% £6.25
April 2017, WineLovers4: SOCK WINE TASTING
1. Marlborough Ridge Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand, 12.5%, 2016, Majestic, £7.49
2. Yering Station, Chardonnay
Victoria, Australia, 2015, 13%, Majestic, £7.99
3. Fiano
Sicily, 2015, 13%, Morrisons, (£5 on offer)
4. Chateau de Pizay Morgon, Beaujolais
Gamay, 13%, 2015, Majestic, £9.89
5. The Wine Society’s Exhibition Merlot
Peumo, Chile, 14%, 2015, Wine Society, £9.95
6. Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon
South Australia, 2015, 13.5%, Morrisons, £7
May 2017, WineLovers2: CHILE Top whites at our Chilean BYO were the Tabali Reserva Viognier (Wine Society) and the Gewurtztraminer (Majestic). The Dry Muscat which I brought was universally disliked! I'm afraid the wine was faulty and have received a credit from the Wine Society to replace it.
The favourite reds were the Las Lomas Shiraz (Tesco), the Candelabro Reserva blend (Wine Society) and the Casillero del Diablo Merlot (widely available). I attach the full scores and brief tasting notes. Many thanks to Kath for compiling the scores and to Brian and Jill for the bread and cheese.
Wine Tasting Notes Score
1 Tabali Reserva Viognier, 13.5% 2014, Wine Society, £7.50
A floral but light ,crisp wine tasting of pear,citrus & lily of the valley. Easy drinking & popular
7.2
2 Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier, 13% 2016, Morrisons, £7
A wine with little aroma, pale with mild peach & green apple flavour
5.7
3 Dona Paulina Chardonnay, 13% 2016, Wine Society, £5.75
A pale colour with sharp & delicate flavour of citrus, grapefruit, pineapple. Dryish & smooth
6.1
3a Arco Iris Chardonnay, 13%, 2016
A sharper acidic wine tasting of mango & citrus. A bit bland
4.7
4 Koyle Don Conde Muscat, 12.5%, 2016 Wine Society £7.95
A pale wine with no nose & citrus taste but with an oily after taste. Some thought it off ,none liked it.
2.8
4a Morande One to One Old Vine Gewurtztraminer, 13%, Majestic, £6.99
A floral nose of rise & peach, Fresh but not cloying . It had character
6.8
5 Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir 13% 2016, Morrisons, £7
A rather light red with a thin blackcurrant taste. Some thought cook with it!
4.4
6 Dona Paulina Merlot 2015 13% Wine Society £5.50
A medium bodied wine tasting of blackberry , raspberry & plum
6.3
6a Casillero del Diablo Merlot 13.5% 2015, Morrisons, £8
A full bodies wine tasting of blackberry , liquorice, pepper & cedar
6.5
7 Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 13.5% 2015
A deep red colour tasting of damson, blackberry, chocolate & tar.
7
7a William Morrison Carmenere 13.5%, 2015, £7.50
Another rich wine , with more tannins than 7 but fruity with hint of rubber & leather
5.8
8 Las Lomas Estate Shiraz 14% 2015 Tesco £7.50
A very rich colour with oaky deep red fruit flavour. Smooth with long legs.
7.8
9 Candelabro Reserva, Undurraga, Carmenere, Malbec, Carignan, 14%, 2014, Wine Society £7.50
A rich colour with lots of dark fruit flavour. Long legs 7.0
12 Medalla Real Gran Reserva,
Cabernet Sauvigon, 14%, 2012, Majestic, £10.49
A smooth red with lots of blackcurrant & plum 5.5
13 Tesco Wine of Chile, Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.5%, £4.20
A thinner wine with less fruit depth. 4.5
June 2017, WineLovers2: ENGLISH WHITES & RHONE REDS The last tasting featured English whites and Rhone reds. I think that on the evidence of this tasting, the jury is still out on English wines, from the point of view of value for money. Interesting though to taste some completely unfamiliar grape varieties.
Top white was the Chapel Down Bacchus and top red was the Wine Society's Cote du Rhone. The former was £11.50, while the latter was a pocket friendly £6.95. Many thanks to Kath for compiling the tasting notes and to Jill and Brian for the bread and cheese.
Bottle Tasting Notes: Colour, Smell, Taste (beginning, middle, finish) Score
1 Three Choirs Vineyards, Midsummer Hill, Madeleine Angevine, Reichensteiner, Seyval Blanc, Phoenix, 11%, 2016, £7.95 A light flowery nose with a flavour of green apples & lemon. A short finish
5.0
2 Three Choirs Vineyards, Stone Brook, Siegerrebe and Schonburger, 11%, 2014, £7.95 A very weak aroma with a woody,earthy taste. Only one table out of 4 liked it at all.
4.2
3 Stopham Estate Pinot Blanc, 2015, 11.5%, £11.50 A delicate nose. More floral than fruity. A more interesting wine with hints of grapefruit, melon & elderflower; it had a pleasant long finish.
6.3
4 Chapel Down Bacchus, 2015, 12%, £11.50 A pale wine with aroma of apples, kiwi & gooseberry. Tasted crisp with flavour of rose, dandelion, gooseberry. Long finish.
7.3
5 Grignan-Les-Adhemar, Delas, Grenache, Syrah, 2015, 13.5%, £7.25 An aroma of blackberry , diesel & chocolate ! A medium bodied red with complex flavours & a hint of liquorice.
6.3
6 The Society’s Cote du Rhone, Grenache, Syrah, 2015, 14%, £6.95 An aroma of raspberries & cherries. Taste of red forest fruit & a wine with some umph. Smooth.
7.1
7 Lirac Rouge, La Fermade, Domain Maby, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, 2015, 14.5%, £10.50 A nose of cooked fruit, damson & blackcurrants. Tasted quite bitter & young & probably needs lots of ageing.
6.2
June 2017, WineLovers4: ENGLISH WHITES & RHONE REDS At our July tasting, the top white was the Three Choirs blend of Bacchus and Reichensteiner grapes. This is from the Wine Society and scored strongly for a wine costing £8.95. A mention in dispatches too for the Chapel Down Chardonnay and the very herby - and novel - Poulton Hill Estate, kindly provided by Alan Hinch, and made from Phoenix grapes. The Tesco English White was not liked and scored poorly.
The Rhone reds al scored reasonably, and we liked in particular the Luberon at a very purse friendly £6.50.
Many thanks too, to everyone who volunteered to join TeamWL4 which will run wine tasting meetings when I'm not here.
Bottle Tasting Notes: Colour, Smell, Taste (beginning, middle, finish) Score
1 Three Choirs Payford Bridge, Bacchus and Reichensteiner, 2016, 11%, £8.95 Good nose. Pale straw colour. Elderflower and citrus on nose, gooseberry/apple/peach in the mouth. Crisp and balanced. Smooth but dry. Refreshing
7.6
2 English White, Tesco finest, Muller Thurgau, Bacchus, Chardonnay, 11%, 2015, £9 Pale straw colour. Sulphite smell and taste which took a long time to get better. Wet straw and nettles with a hint of petrol. Generally disliked.
3.5
3 Chapel Down Chardonnay, 12%, 2013, £12.59 Slightly darker pale straw. Citrus and floral notes. Aroma and flavour of apricots, white peaches, apples and nectarines. Improves further in the glass. Nice finish
7.2
3A Poulton Hill Estate, Phoenix White Wine, 11%, 2016, £11.50 Distinctive, perfumed, fresh herb aroma – basil and marjoram - and taste. Clears the palate well. Would be good with fish in a parsley sauce. Disliked by one table which brought the score down.
5.1
4 Notre Dame de Cousignac Luberon, Grenache, Syrah, 13.5%, 2016 (to 2019), £6.50 Intense purple/red colour. Good nose. Blackberry, elderberry, raspberry and vanilla on nose and in mouth. Hint of liquorice. Good, long farewell.
7.1
5 Domaine des Escaravailles, Les Sablieres, Cotes du Rhone, Grenache, Syrah, 13.5%, 2014, £8.95 Good body. Black fruits and cherries on nose and in mouth. Softer nose and flavour than 4. Mature. Fine, fruity after taste.
6.8
6 Paul Jaboulet, Ventoux Les Traverses, Grenache, Syrah, 2015, 14%, £7.50 Black fruits with spice and hint of liquorice and damson. Pleasing after taste. Tannins more pronounced. Not as heavy as other two reds.
6.6
July 2017, WineLovers2: SPARKLING WINES The last tasting featured sparkling wines and a delicious fruit salad kindly prepared by Jill and Brian. The headlines from the results are that we liked the Cremant de Loire and the Blanc de Blancs best and preferred the French to the Italian.
Looking a bit deeper into scores and comments, the third headline is that there was a lot of difference of view between tables. The same wines were placed second by some tables and last by others; others were scored top by some tables and last or next to last by others. For those of us who equate quality with price, the two favourites were among the most expensive.
Bottle Tasting Notes: Colour, Smell, Taste (beginning, middle, finish) Score
1 Waitrose Castilla Perelada Cava Brut, Xaral-lo/Macabeo/ Parellada, 11.5%, Waitrose, £9.49 Faint floral bouquet. Mildly sparking. Slightly off dry. Citrus notes in the taste. Refreshing. Dry, short finish
6.0
2 L’Extra Langlois Cremant de Loire, Extra Brut, Chenin/Chardonnay 12.5%, Majestic, £13.99 Delicate fragrance with mineral notes. Lively in glass. Longer finish. Rounder in the mouth. Smooth and rich. Not as dry as category suggests - but still dry. Fruity tang. More complex than 1 or 3.
6.9
3 Le Berceau Blanc de Blancs Brut, Piquepoul/ Chardonnay, 12%, Majestic, £11.99 Vegetal notes in aroma. Better taste. Balance between sweetness and acidity. Honey and apple notes in the creamy mouth taste. Good after taste.
6.8
4 Cuvee Royale Brut, Cremant de Limoux, 70% Chardonnay/20% Chenin Blanc/ 10% Pinot Noir, 12.5%, Waitrose, £11.99 Very lively on opening. Mineral, biscuit and citrus notes on the nose. Lemon zest in the mouth. Maintains its sparkle in the glass, but a bit too fizzy for some. ‘Tastes like Lambrusco’ according to a different table. Dry. Not as smooth as 3.
5.7
5 Tesco Finest Pignoletto, 11.5%, Tesco, £8.50 Good flavour. Character. Sweet note in bouquet and finish. Not too fizzy. Very pleasant, or a bit watery according to different tables.
5.5
6 Cantine Maschio, Calle d’Oro Prosecco, Glera, 11%, Waitrose, £10.99 Sweet note in bouquet. Both Italian wines are sweeter than their French equivalents. Hint of dried fruit in the mouth. Drinkabe but a bit unchallenging. Nice after taste.
5.7
July 2017, WineLovers4: SPARKLING WINES Our favourite of the evening was the Blanc de Blancs, made from Chardonnay grapes and which was the most expensive at £13.99, from Waitrose. There was quite a lot of disagreement. The Saumur scored nearly twice as much on one table than another (average score 6.2 versus 3.4), and the gap on the Blanquette de Limoux was almost as great (6.9 versus 4.4). So now we all know who invented sparkling wine and how many bubbles in a bottle..............
Many thanks to Bev for the delicious fruit salad.
Bottle Tasting Notes: Colour, Smell, Taste (beginning, middle, finish) Score
1 Cordoniu Brut, Macabeo, Xarel.lo, Parellada, 11.5%, Waitrose, £9.99 Mid straw colour. Pleasant nose: biscuit and citrus, apple. Good bubble level. Lively but settles down. Good, clean fresh taste with a nice bubble finish.
6.7
2 Prince Alexandre, Cremant de Loire, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, 12.5%, Waitrose £12.99 Pale straw colour. Very lively. Sweetish aroma (caramel). Notes of gooseberry, grapefruit, apple in the mouth. Short finish/pleasing after taste.
6.3
3 Cave de Lugny, Blanc de Blancs, Cremant de Bourgogne, Chardonnay, 11.5%, Waitrose, £13.99 Straw coloured. Lively big bubbles. Pineapple on the nose. Apple, lime and pineapple in the mouth. Nice balance of fruit and acidity. Good after taste.
7
4 Bouvet Saumur Brut, Chenin Blanc, 12.5%, Majestic, £12.99 Mid straw colour. Small bubbles, not very lively (bottle 1) or very lively (bottle 2). Pleasant nose. Hint of rhubarb. Very dry. Keeps its bubbles well. Disliked by one table. The driest sparkling wine of the evening.
4.9
5 1531 Blanquette de Limoux, Mauzac, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, 13%, Tesco, £9 Mid straw colour. Rhubarb and custard in the mouth with a vanilla after taste. Hint of Bramley apple
5.5
6 Waitrose Prosecco, Glera, 11%, £7.99 Pale straw. Pear drops, lemon, green apple. Off dry. Refreshing but lacking body.
5.8
August 2017, WineLovers2: CHARDONNAY & SHIRAZ The last tasting featured wines made from two widely cultivated grape varieties: Chardonnay and Syrah/Shiraz. Top Chardonnays were the Macon and Western Australian which narrowly beat the Chablis into third place, even though the Chablis cost twice as much. As you will see from the attached notes and scores, there was quite a lot of disagreement between tables.
There was a bit more agreement about the Syrah, with The Bleasdale and the Moroccan Syrah both scoring well. Many thanks to Kath for compiling these and to Jill and Brian for the bread and cheese.
Bottle Tasting Notes: Colour, Smell, Taste (beginning, middle, finish) Score
1 Macon Villages Chardonnay, Burgundy, 13.5%, 2015, Co-op, £7.99 Pale straw colour with floral nose. A sharp, dry flavour with tastes of citrus, green apple & tropical fruits. Long finish. One table really liked this, the other 3 were not so sure.
6.0
2 Chablis Premier Cru, 13%, 2014, Morrisons, £15 Pale straw with not much bouquet but a fresher, fruity taste. Again large differences in opinion as 2 tables liked this best of the whites & the other 2 didn't.
5.9
3 Western Australia Chardonnay, 14%, 2016, Morrisons, £8 Pale straw with a more oaky aroma. Tasted sweeter than the label said (not a 1) & with grapefruit, peachy notes . Disappointing short finish.
5.0
4 Vignerons Ardechois Syrah Basalte, Ardeche, 12.5%, 2015, Wine Society, £7.25 Deep red with aroma of black & red fruits & vanilla. A fruity taste that was rather harsh & over dry .Might improve with age.
5.0
5 Tandem Syrah, Rommani Morocco, 13.5%, 2013, Wine Society, £11.50 Purple red colour with an aromatic black fruit & leather aroma. Full bodied ,fruity flavour that was generally liked by all.
6.9
6 Bleasdale Bremerview Shiraz, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, 14%, 2014, Wine Society, £8.50 Purple red with black forest gateau aroma. Very smooth & full of flavour with hints of liquorice, pepper & plum. Long finish. The favourite for 3 tables but the least for 1.
7.2
7 Western Australia Chardonnay, 14%, 2016, Morrisons, £6 Intense red colour with metallic, deep red aroma. Strong blackberry flavour but rather sharp & musty. Tasted a bit bitter & young
6.0
August 2017, WineLovers4: CHARDONNAY & SHIRAZ Our tasting was very interesting. Just about everyone liked the old world Chardonnay in the Macon, with the new world South African DMZ coming a fairly close second. The Syrah was more controversial. The Chilean was one table's favourite and another's ...er....codswallop. Still most of us liked the Grant Burge Aussie Shiraz.
Many thanks to Maurice for the bread and cheese.
Bottle Tasting Notes: Colour, Smell, Taste (beginning, middle, finish) Score
1 Domaine Gonon, Macon La Roche Vineuse, Burgundy, France, 2015, 13.5%, Wine Society, £9.95 Pale straw colour. Citrus nose. Zesty, lemon and gooseberry flavour. Citron and vanilla finish. Pleasing after taste. Easy drinking.
7.2
2 Val de Salis Chardonnay, Pays d’Oc, France, 2015, 13.5%, Lidl, £5.99 Very pale. Light ,flowery bouquet. Apples and citrus in the mouth. Sweeter than 1. A bit wishy washy; lacked body. Poor finish.
5.5
3 Catena Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina, 2015, 13.5%, Wine Society, £11.50 Straw with a green tint. Raspberry nose. Pineapple, cucumber, green apple and tropical fruit in the mouth. Peppery finish. Disliked by one group who found it poorly balanced.
5.4
4 De Morgenzon DMZ Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2015, 14%, Wine Society, £9.25 Golden straw colour. Fresh mineral and lemon notes on nose. Gooseberry, apple, grapefruit and lime in the mouth. Pleasing, smooth after taste.
6.7
5 Concha y Toro, Marques Casa Concha, Syrah, Maipo, Chile, 2014, 14.5%, Morrisons £9 Purple red. According to two tables: fruity bouquet, liquorice, black fruit, damson and chocolate in the mouth, smooth and well structured… Mmmh. According to the third: too acidic and harsh…..Ugh!
5.1
6 Grant Burge Benchmark Shiraz, South Australia, 2015, 14%, Wine Society, £7.50 Rich red in colour. Plenty of black fruit and cherry in aroma and mouth. Hint of prunes. More tannin and a pleasing, peppery aftertaste.
6.9
7 Karri Oak Estate Shiraz, Western Australia, 2013, 14% Morrisons £8 Rich red colour. Rather faint nose. Fruity with some oak. Would benefit from a couple more years in the bottle.
5.9
8 88 Growers Shiraz, South Australia, 2014, 14.5%, Wine Society, £6.75 Vanilla nose, slightly musky. Light bodied. Damson and hint of rubber in the mouth. Dry finish.
6.2
September 2017, WineLovers2: SOUTH AFRICAN WINES This was a BYO South African evening. The tasting was very well attended and in all we tasted 17 wines of which all but one was red. I was quite impressed by the general quality of the SA wines, particularly the wines made of two or more grape varieties. Indeed, one of our favourites was made from no less than 8 grape varieties. I'm not quite sure where all the wines were bought, but I have indicated the price and store from which they are currently available. Particular favourites were the Bosman Adams (Majestic) and the Alto 1693 (Morrisons).
Bottle Tasting Notes: Colour, Smell, Taste (beginning, middle, finish) Score
1 Kumala Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Olifants River, 11.5%, 2016, Tesco, £7.50 A popular wine with citrus, elderflower & gooseberry flavours.
6.2
2 Pieter’s Keep Cinsault, Swartland, 14.5%, 2017, Majestic, £6.99 (for 6) A pale, watery wine with little body & bland flavour.
5.0
3 Leopard’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Western Cape, 13%, 2016, Sainsbury, £5 A light nosed wine with woody undertones.
5.6
4 Cimarosa Cabernet Sauvignon, Western Cape, 14%, 2016, Lidl, £3.99 Again light on nose, but easy drinking with tastes of strawberry & raspberry.
6.4
5 Eternal Kumala, Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz, 14%, 2015 Little nose, but with no depth of flavour
5.3
6 Zalze Shiraz/Mourvedre/ Viognier, Western Cape, 2016, 14.5%, Waitrose, £8.99. A fruity nose , smooth with little tannins.
6.5
7 Dolphin Bay Merlot, Swartland, 14%, 2016, M&S £6 (for 6) A fruity nose , smooth with little tannins. A strong nose with smooth dark fruit flavours, strong plum.
6.8
8 Crows Fountain Shiraz/Merlot, Stellenbosch, 13.5%, 2016, M&S £9 (for 6). Chocolate & blackberry taste but rather light.
6.9
9 Pinotage, Morrisons, 13.5%, 2016, £4.25 A young immature wine, undrinkable by 1 table.
4.7
9a Bellingham Pinotage, Stellenbosch, 14%, 2016, Tesco, £8 Full bodied with raspberry & strawberry flavours.
4.7
9b Cape Creek Pinotage, 12.5%, 2015 A smooth wine with long finish tasting of dark plums.
4.8
10 Stormhoek Cabernet Sauvignon, Western Cape, 13.5%, Tesco £7.50 A smooth , well rounded wine tasting of plums.
5.9
11 Gable and Grace Shiraz/ Mourvedre, Western Cape, 13.5%, Waitrose £8.49. A light nose & flavour but subtle taste.
6.2
12 Carmen Stevens Shiraz, Angel’s Selection, 2015, 14.5%, Naked Wines £7.49. A dark colour but with short taste quite forgettable.
5.2
13 Surfer’s Path Shiraz, Swartland, 13.5%, 2016, Morrisons, £8 A deep colour but smokey flavour with poor aftertaste.
5.0
14 Bosman Adama, Shiraz/ Mourvedre/ Grenache Noir/ Cinsault/Primitivo/Viognier/ Nero d’Avola/Tempranillo, 14%, Cape of Good Hope, 2016, Majestic, £9.99 (for 6) A dark fruity wine tasting of blackberry, blueberry with long finish.
7.2
15 Alto 1693, Cabernet Franc/ Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot/ Shiraz Stellenbosch, 2014, Morrison’s £8 A strong nose , well rounded taste of plums & dark fruits.
8
September 2017, WineLovers4: SOUTH AFRICAN WINES The South African BYO seems to have been very merry - calculated by dividing the number of bottles by the number of tasters! The top scoring wine of the evening was the Secretary Bird Merlot supplied by..........Scrumpys, at a very reasonable £5.50. Most of the whites were Sauvignon Blanc and the favourite was the Walker Bay from Morrison's. Interestingly, the exotically blended Bosman Adama was not very popular despite its seven grape varieties.
Many thanks to Maurice for the bread and cheese, and to everyone who helped to set up and put away.
Wine Tasting Notes Score
1 Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 13%, 2016, Morrisons, £8.50
Pale, fruity bouquet, lemon nose, strong after taste of apples and grapes. Sulphites on nose to begin with.
6.5
2 First Cape Sauvignon Blanc, 12.5%, 2017, Tesco, £7.85
Pale colour, excellent taste, but short farewell
5.7
3 Kumala Eternal Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay /Semillon, 12% 2016, Tesco, £4.95
Mid straw colour, good bouquet, citrus notes, smooth tasting
5.9
4 Clearsprings Sauvignon Blanc, 12.5%, 2017, Sainsburys, £5.50
Very pale, floral nose. Rather nondescript taste according to some, would go well with the right food, according to others. Vanilla notes and lemon
5.1
5 Leopards Leap Sauvignon Blanc, 12%, 2016, Sainsburys £5
Pale golden white colour, fruity bouquet, enjoyable. Light body
5.4
6 Bosman Adama Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Semillon, Pinot Gris, Viognier, 14%, 2015, Majestic, £7.99
Bouquet and after taste rather poor according to some but well-liked by others.
4.1
7 Western Cape Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon Rose, 13%, 2017
Fruity bouquet. Off dry. Cherry/ raspberry/ strawberry taste. Lasting taste High alcohol for a rose.
5.8
8 The Secretary Bird Merlot, 14.5%, 2016, Scrumpys, £5.50
Pale red, black cherry on nose. Good after taste. Smooth easy drinking
7.4
9 First Cape Shiraz, 14%, 2016, Tesco, £7.25
Very deep red, excellent body, damson and plum in the mouth and good after taste
6.4
10 Yellowwood Mountain Reserve Shiraz, 14%, 2013, ASDA, £4.69
A bit acidic according to some, spicy according to others. . Good after taste.
5.9
October 2017, WineLovers2: WINES FROM UNUSUAL PLACES At our last tasting we tasted a number of wines from unusual places: India, China, Mexico etc. The general feeling was that these wines in the main enjoyed a justifiable obscurity. The Indian wine in particular scored abysmally low and the Chinese wines - for their price - were decidedly not good value. Top tastes were the Alberino from Uruguay (Sainsbury) and the Quetzal Malbec and the Chateau Clos, both from M&S.
Thanks to Kath for doing the scores and Brian and Jill for the bread and cheese.
Bottle Tasting Notes: Colour, Smell, Taste Score
1 Changyu Noble Dragon Riesling, Yantai North China, 12%, 2016, Sainsburys, £8.50 A medium straw colour with hints of apple, grass & sweet liquorice allsorts. A peachy ,retsina taste rather sweetish but not unpleasant.
5.1
2 Mondello Grillo, Sicily, 2016, 12%, Sainsburys, £5.25 A pale wine with nose of apricot, vanilla & citrus. Tasted very mildly of apricot , herbs & lemon. Easy drinking but unexciting
4.5
3 Colinas de Uruguay Albarino, Uruguay, 2016, 13%, Sainsburys, £7.25 A pale colour with bouquet of vanilla & elderflower & taste of orange & apricot. The best white agreed by all tables.
6.3
4 Changyu Noble Dragon Red Wine, Cabernet Gernischt and Cabernet Sauvignon, Yantai North China, 12%, 2016, Sainsburys, £8.50 A deep red with aroma of red berries tasting of gooseberry , leather & blackcurrants But it was high in tannins & generally not liked.
4.0
5 Jewel of Nasik, Tempranillo, Shiraz, 2015, 13%, Marks and Spencer, £8.50 A very dark wine with bouquet of plums & cherries. Very unpleasant flavour of chemicals & haddock. Universally disliked. Scored the lowest out of all wine tastings!
2.7
6 Quetzal Wine of Mexico Malbec, Valle de Guadalupe Mexico, 13%, 2014, Marks and Spencer, £9 A red wine with blackcurrant bouquet tasting of red fruits & blackcurrants. Well rounded with long legs. Liked by all
7.0
7 Chateau Ksara Clos St Alphonse, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bekaa Valley Lebanon 13.5%, 2013, Marks and Spencer, £10 A deep red colour with bouquet of dark fruits but also leather, caramel & slightly musty. First taste brought out the red fruits but degraded quickly to heavy tannins. 2 tables did not favour this , 1 did.
6.5
October 2017, WineLovers4: WINES FROM UNUSUAL PLACES The tasting of unusual wines suggested that some of them were obscure for very good reason. In particular the Jewel of Nasik scored the lowest ever in a tasting!
The Bulgarian Chardonnay was the favourite wine of the evening, followed by the Argentinian Chardonnay. The reds from Mexico and Israel were liked, but not as much as the whites.
Many thanks to Alan and Steve for running the tasting and to Maurice for the bread and cheese.
Bottle Tasting Notes: Colour, Smell, Taste Score
1 Peach Garden Chardonnay, Bulgaria, 12.5%, 2016, M&S Pale golden colour. Good nose, fruity, apple, citrus notes, pleasing after taste, improves in the glass
6.7
2 Vinalba Chardonnay Argentina, 13%, 2016, M&S Pale golden colour, very refreshing, fair bouquet, dry, good acidity, green apple notes, strong and pleasant farewell, easy drinking
6.3
3 Albarino, Uruguay, 13%, 2016, M&S Golden colour, slightly cloudy. Good floral nose, grapefruit notes, some found too acidic, others: good flavour
5.8
4 New York State White, 12%, 2016, M&S Elderflower on the nose, off dry, fruity flavour, mineral notes, good after taste, refreshing, could improve with age
5.5
5 Jewel of Nasik, Tempranillo/Shiraz, India, 13%, 2016, M&S Deep red. Light bouquet, some pepper, light body, short finish, ghastly, almost undrinkable, rotting veg, medicinal. Bitter after taste
3.7
6 Quetzal Malbec, Mexico, 13%, 2014, M&S Deep red. Fruity nose, complex, damsons, plums and cherries, liquorice notes, touch of spice, good smooth farewell
5.9
7 Clos St Alphonse, Syrah/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon, Lebanon, 13.5%, M&S Fair bouquet, red fruits, chocolate and black cherries, good balance, enjoyable, smooth finish
5.4
8 Recanati, Carignan/Petit Syrah, Israel (Judean Hills), 13%, 2015, M&S Strong red. Vanilla on the nose, good warm taste of cherries and plums, wild blackberries and currants, spicy, grows on you
5.8
9 Tbilvino Qvevris Ricatsiteli (White), Georgia, 12%, 2015. M&S Straw coloured. Strange bouquet, off dry, sherry notes, but not oxidised, hint of liquorice, some found it bitter
4.3
November 2017, WineLovers2: VIOGNIER & MALBEC The November tasting featured wines made from Viognier and Malbec grapes For once we were unanimous that the best wine was also the most expensive: the Trivento Golden Reserve. The Vinalba Malbec came second. The Viogniers were less well liked, but the favourite was also the cheapest (go figure).
Many thanks to Kath for compiling these and to Jill and Brian for the bread and cheese.
Bottle Tasting Notes: Colour, Smell, Taste Score
1 Domaine Mandeville, Viognier Pays d’Oc, 13%, 2016, M&S, £8.50 Pink/rusty tinge colour with industrial, pear drops aroma. Heavy oily flavour remarked on by 3 tables separately & not liked by any unless you are into rubber.
4.5
2 Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier, Chile, 13%, 2016, Morrisons, £7 A livelier wine, lemon coloured, with fruity apricot nose. Peachy, grapefruit flavour . Pleasant drinking & much preferred
5.7
3 Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier, 13%, 2016, Tesco, £11 This wine was green tinged! Unpleasant aroma of “cut cabbage or “uric acid”. Short, sharp taste hints of apricots, mushroom, or grapefruit.
5.0
4 Chateau Rambauds Malbec, Bordeaux, 13%, 2016, M&S, £9.50 Dark colour, with nose of chocolate & black fruits. Tasted of red plum, raspberries but many found it too sharp with short finish? Too young?
5.2
5 Graffigna Malbec Reserve, 2015, 14%, Tesco, £8.50 Dark tawny wine with plum, chocolate & raspberry nose. Tasted of plums, blackberry & smoke. Smooth.
6.2
6 Vinalba Malbec, 2015, 14%, Morrisons, £9.25 Deep maroon with vanilla, blackberry nose. A balanced wine with flavours of blackberry, plums & leather. Very drinkable.
7.0
7 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec, 2015, 14.5%, Tesco, £13 Intensely dark colour with Christmas cake nose. Very fruity, plummy & full of flavour. No harsh edges & lingered. Liked by all
8.0
November 2017, WineLovers4: VIOGNIER & MALBEC This was a fairly successful choice of grape types. Viognier isn't necessarily the best known grape, but two of the wines were liked and the Chilean Cono Sur is a downright bargain at its price. We liked all the Malbecs, particularly the Vinalba - currently on sale on the shelves in Morrisons for around £7.50 and the rather more expensive Trivento Golden Reserve, currently reduced to £12 - but you'd need to buy it on line.
Many thanks to Maurice for the bread and cheese.
Bottle Tasting Notes: Colour, Smell, Taste Score
1 Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier, 13%, 2016, Tesco, £11 Mid straw colour with a hint of green. Pleasant but shy bouquet. Citrus notes. Apricot/apple/green grape/ peaches/pears in the mouth. Well balanced. Hint of green herbs and honey as it warms in the glass. Long finish. Well rounded.
6.8
2 Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier, Chile, 13%, 2016, Morrisons, £7 Mid straw colour. Apricots and green apple, peach and orange, gooseberry. Delicate flavour. Slightly sharper than 1. When it warms in the glass, it improves to include hint of melon and tropical fruit.
7.5
3 Domaine Mandeville, Viognier Pays d’Oc, 13%, 2016, M&S, £8.50 Straw colour with hint of pink. Sweet red apple bouquet. Slightly oily in the mouth. Musty according to one table. Little taste according to another. Warms to off dry with a hint of tropical fruits and sultana. Medium farewell.
4.6
4 Graffigna Malbec Reserve, 2015, 14%, Tesco, £8.50 Purple red. Narrow water margin (i.e. younger wine). Cedar, blackberry, spice, black cherry, leather on the nose. Fruit forward. Medium body. Short farewell.
6.5
5 Vinalba Malbec, 2015, 14%, Morrisons, £9.25 More intense colour. Black and red fruit and oak on the nose. Blackberry/raspberry. Hint of chocolate. Good structure. Would improve with age. More spice in glass.
7.3
6 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec, 2015, 14.5%, Tesco, £13 Most intense red colour of the evening. Very narrow water margin. Intense bouquet of black fruit with some raisins. Silky smooth in the mouth. Perfect structure. Christmas pudding and tobacco notes, with sandal wood, leather and vanilla. Long, fine finish.
7.5
