I have gone to a stars rating system which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to those stars:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average
I’m always looking for good value and I’m not afraid to give or take away a half mark for it – I’ll let you know when I’ve done so.
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average
I’m always looking for good value and I’m not afraid to give or take away a half mark for it – I’ll let you know when I’ve done so.
This is the annual South Africa release, problem was during my tasting day the South African wines were not available, I think it had something to do with delivery and that erupting volcano in Europe. Anyway for those fans of South African wines I’ve got nothing for you – for the rest of you this is what is on offer this month …
Australia – Red …
Evans and Tate 2008 Classic Shiraz/Cabernet ($14.95 - #0165928) – this is a nice fruity red with big alcohol and even bigger fruit: raspberry, cherry and strawberry all blended together with chocolate and a hit of spice at the end. (****)
Western Range Julimar Organic Shiraz 2007 ($24.95 - #0165951) – this one really pops out of the glass and onto the palate. Fruit, spice and oak flavours of vanilla and chocolate, lovely and easy to drink and a lovely long finish – simple and seductive. (****½)
Hunter’s Jane 2008 Hunter Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0586115) – juicy on the palate with a nice smell of black and sour cherries. There’s a touch of floral on the nose and a nice smokiness on the finish. (****)
Canada – Red …
(Ontario)
Henry of Pelham 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir – ($24.95 - #0268391)
Canada – White …
(Ontario)
Rosewood Estates 2008 Semillon – ($18.00 - #0177758)
Chile – Red …
Concha Y Toro 2006 Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenere ($29.95 - #0562892) – minty black fruit that’s smooth and silky, there’s also a little tobacco that you’ll find on the back palate. (****)
France – Red …
(Beaujolais)
Domaine du Riaz 2008 Cote-de-Brouilly ($16.95 - #0177493) – black cherry, black cherry and more black cherry with hints of mineral stoniness, dry through the mouth on the way to a long, almost juicy, finish. (****)
(Rhone)
Domaine de Saint Siffrein 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($34.95 - #0169771) – silky, chocolaty, blackberry and tasty with good acidity, big alcohol and a black raspberry finish. (****)
Domaine du Seminaire 2007 Prestige Valreas Cotes du Rhone Villages ($14.95 - #0173237) tasty little red fruited wine at a good price, you might find the label a little off-putting but don’t be fooled, the wine inside is very good. (****)
France – White …
(Alsace)
Kuhlmann-Platz 2005 Muehlforst Gewurztraminer ($15.95 - #0168864) – almost thick upon entry into the mouth but then it gets smooth, almost creamy. Fruit is really nice with a touch of spice and a good long finish, this is a good price for something so intense. (****½)
Greece – Red …
Tsantali 2008 Moschomavro ($13.95 - #0106682) – cherry jam-like smell with a touch of rose petal and nicely flavoured. (****)
Italy – Red …
(Piedmont)
Marchesi di Barolo Ruvei Barbera D’Alba 2007 ($17.95 - #0168203) – licorice and dark chocolate cherries, robust and tasty. (****)
(Tuscany)
Castellare di Castellina 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva ($26.95 - #0508507) – the nose is earthy, leathery with mint and floral notes, the flavours follow suit and mingle really nicely on the palate. (****)
Rocca Delle Macie 2006 Tenuta Sant’Alfonso Chianti Classico ($21.95 - #0942094) – leathery, herbal, cassis and oaky, a nice dry-spicy finish. (****)
(Veneto)
Godo 2008 ($13.95 - #0171595) – good price for this mainly Corvina blend that’s got big black fruit, licorice and some leather notes, plenty of dryness in the mouth. (****)
Italy – White …
(Piedmont)
Marchesi di Barolo Zagara Moscati D’Asti ($15.95 - #0168195) – sweet fruit, peach and mango, hints of ginger ale, great patio wine for hot summer day. (****)
New Zealand – White …
Dog Point Vineyard 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0677450) – quite nice and very typically New Zealand like: grapefruit flower, tropically tinged, good acidity, fresh and clean. (****)
Portugal – Dessert …
Messias Ruby Port ($13.95 - #0168880) – this one is so close to perfect it’s unbelievable, loads of vanilla, cherry, thick and creamy in the mouth; chocolate-cherry-spice on the palate with a long lingering spiced-cherry cinnamon-nutmeg finish. Price makes it a 5-star wine. (*****)
Portugal – Red …
Monte 2005 Alentejano Reserva ($12.95 - #164848) – what a great value here, blueberry, blackberry, smooth with a nice feeling across the tongue with a minor chocolate sensation. (****)
Portugal – White …
Muros Antigos Escolha 2009 Vinho Verde ($11.95 - #0166710) – nice lemon freshness on the nose with a hint of lemon peel and peach on the palate; a nice lemon-floral finish. (****)
Spain – Red …
Senorio de Ardura 2006 Crianza ($13.95 - #0171447) – Spiced plum and vanilla oak, good mouthfeel with black cherry and mocha notes, lovely clean acidity; great value and the score reflects it. (****½)
Torres 2005 Gran Sangre de Toro Reserva ($15.95 - #0315648) – juicy and spicy palate with cherry and strawberry notes, silky tannins; all very drinkable at a very good price. (****)
United States – Red …
(California)
Bogle Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0904565) – juicy and tasty with some raspberry, vanilla and herb notes. (****)
DeLoach 2008 Pinot Noir ($17.95 - #0025171) – this one has some sour cherry juice along with black cherry, nice mocha, toasty with a cassis finish. (****)
Joseph Phelps 2007 Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon ($37.95 - #0038125) – lovely blackberry and cherry on the nose, spice, vanilla and lots of fruit flavour. (****)
La Crema 2008 Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #0906404) – juicy and floral tinged with a beautiful mix of black and red fruit; there’s also a touch of vanilla and spice. (****½)
United States – White …
(California)
Estancia 2008 Pinnacles Ranches Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0075614) – light and flavourful with tropical fruit, vanilla and a touch nutty, this one is quite tasty. (****)
Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on June 12, 2010:
Messias Ruby Port ($13.95 - #0168880) – Portugal
Kuhlmann-Platz 2005 Muehlforst Gewurztraminer ($15.95 - #0168864) – France
Senorio de Ardura 2006 Crianza ($13.95 - #0171447) – Spain
Happy Shopping.
