'In Vino Veritas' In Wine There Is Truth
Some really lovely wines tasted here, from Italy, Australia, Chile and France.
Red/white? Claret? Rioja? White Burgundy? Chardonnay?
What your favourite? Our in-house tester, Hic, has been testing this months slurps.
ARGENTINA;
La Leyenda
A rather pleasant chardonnay from the Guentota Estate, new to me, but a typically lovely white from Argentina. Recommended 8/10
Las Moras Argentinan Pinot Grigio
This a fine example of this lovely grape, a dry white, great with seafood, or just by itself. Recommended! 8/10
La Portena Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Another great wine from the Mendoza region of Argentina, full of citrus, fresh, and dry. 7/10
Valle de la Luna Pinot Grigio 2007
This Argentinean variety of this grape is also as good as the Italian, very dry, crisp and full of flavour. Recommended 7/10
Vina Arroyo Malbec 2004
From one of the new world’s most exciting areas, this barrel-aged Malbec is from the upper region of Mendoza right in the heart of Argentina’s wine growing region. This is a very good, ripe, perfumed red! 7/10
AUSTRALIA;
Telegraph station
A really nice Pinot Noir. Recommended 8/10
Hardys Crest Cabernet Shiraz
Ok, nothing special. 6/10
McGuigan 2011
A lovely example of a chardonnay viognier from OZ, great for the final days of summer sun. Recommended 8/10
Nottage Hill 2011
Another chardonnay from OZ, but not to my liking or usual quality from down under. 6/10
Calloway Crossing
Another great white from OZ. Recommended. 8/10
Paterson's Grove Sauvignon-Semillion-Verdelho
Another picturesque label form OZ. What a mixture, but actually works for me, different and pleasurable and highly Drinkable! 8/10
The Big Kahuna
A great name, a nice fresh crisp, cheap white from OZ. Great with seafood, tried with a prawn party platter, lovely. Highly Drinkable. 8/10
Banrock Station 2009
Colombard Chardonnay, this lovely version is from OZ. Great in this sunny, hot October weather, with the barbi, of course. Highly Drinkable. 8/10
The Firetail Estate Selection
This Aussie Semillon Sauvignon combination just works. Full of citrus flavours, serve chilled, highly drinkable. Had this with a prawn party food mix. Recommended. 8/10
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay
Another great OZ varity of this grape. Must be chilled, try with anything. Recommended. 8/10
Bushland Chardonnay 2008
Another great OZ varity of this grape. Must be chilled, try with bbq spicy ribs. Recommended. 7/10
Bin 53 Chardonnay 2008 Love them or hate them; Hardys do produce some good wines, this white being one. Recommended. 7/10
McPherson Family Vineyard 2008
A Jock vineyard's Cabernet Sauvignon; Australian, red, great for the barbi! I like this type of wine chilled in warmer climes, make it a longer drink by adding soda or lemonade, with ice and a slice. Recommended. 7/10
Firetail Chardonnay
Another fine OZ varity of this popular and sometimes abused grape. Highly recommended. 9/10 Kenton Valley Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Another fine OZ variety of this grape, fruity, crisp and plenty of flavour. Recommended 7/10
Redheads Pinball 2006
A "great white" from OZ; Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Riesling, Semillon, Viognier, it's all in here. This wonderfully full tasting white from the famous McLaren Vale is superb, full of fruit, crisp, dry, what more could you want. Great with salads, fish, but with spicy Thai food, perfect. Highly Recommended! 9/10
Barooga Station Cabernet Merlot 2007
This rich and fruity OZ wine, from the great Sam Trimboli, is very nice. And the different fruits, touches of spices and mocha chocolate, makes this a great BBQ slurp. Recommended. 8/10
Sir Beauford Chardonnay 2007
A very good example of what grape should taste like, great with seafood, salads or cheeses. Recommended 8/10
Pepperton Estate Shiraz 2007
Australia really have got this grape right; yet another fine example of this grape, great with roasts or cheeses. Recommended 8/10
Black Boar Caladoc Shiraz 2007
Another great Shiraz from the new world, this time OZ. Full of taste, depth and dry. Try with hard cheeses or stews. 8/10
Barooga Station Verdelho Chardonnay 2007
Another great juicy white from OZ, tangy citrus flavour, crisp, and dry. Highly recommended 9/10
McPherson Pickles' Sauvignon Blanc 2007
A great Australian example of a favourite white, from the Murray Darling region, fresh, dry and crisp. Recommended 8/10
The Boxer Oak aged Durif 2007
Quality written all over it! Try it, recommended 8/10
Eagle's Craig Chardonnay 2007
Not usually a fan of Australian varieties of this grape, this is crisp, fresh and with a hint of oak. Try chilled, with seafood or salads. Recommended 7/10
Warburn Estate premium Reserve Shiraz 2007 Australia have got this grape right, and this is a fine example of that, the taste is full of dark fruit, spices and oak. Recommended 8/10
Holroyd Farm Shiraz 2005
A very nice oak aged Shiraz, 14% with a hint of vanilla. Great with roast lamb, or vegetarian dishes. Recommended! 7/10
Western Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2006
A generous Aussie Sauvignon Blanc, great with barbequed prawns. Recommended! 7/10
Paddle Wheel Shiraz Viognier 2005
A rich, medium bodied and fruit flavoured red. Good value for money, great with meat. 6/10
Sturt & Hume 2004 This stunning oak aged Chardonnay from Australia, tastes superb! Full of flavours, a classic! Recommended! 8/10
The Black Stump 2005 Another very good Aussie white, this Verdelho-Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio combination works! 7/10
CHILE;
Palo Alta.
Another nice example of sauvignon blanc, this time from chile's Maule Valley. Recommended. 7/10
Cambucha
A lovely sauvignon blanc from Chile, light and fresh. Recommended 8/10
Casablanca Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010
This Chilean white is an Asda "extra", extra what, not sure, lacks some taste really. 5/10
Long Slim White
From Chile, which is fast becoming known for producing some very good wines. This isn't one of them, but I still enjoyed it. Recommended. 7/10
Alta Tierra Sauvignon Blanc 2008
This crisp, dry and fruity Chilean white from the Elqui Valley, isn't too bad, all the scents from the different fruits work well. Very surprised, and delighted, try with barbarqued prawns. Recommended! 8/10
Chileno Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Another great Sauvignon from the new world, this time Chile. Full of citrus, crisp, and dry. 7/10
Chardonnay Central Valley 2007 Another Chilean example of a favourite white grape; this also is fresh, dry and crisp. 7/10
Valle Central Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This Chilean example is fresh and fruity, another cheap but pleasant dry white. 7/10
Don Cayetano Carmenere 2005 A very good velvety, deep ruby red, from a top estate in Chile. Full of flavour, try with a Sunday roast! Recommended. 7/10
FRANCE;
Chateau Saint Nabor, enough said, though should have kept at least another 5-10yrs before drinking it. But One life Live it!
Another great Corsican wine, this time red. This island has some stunning wines. Highly recommended. 8/10
Gros Plant du Pays Nantais. A lovely bottle from the Loire region. Recommended. 8/10
Corsican wine! Beautiful, full of life and sunshine, just like Corsica. Highly recommended 8/10
Saint Vigni Cote du Rhone
Can't go wrong with this one. Recommended. 7/10
Saint Mont
A Tecso, French Red, rather nice actually. Recommended. 7/10
Chateau Les Gauries
A lovely Bordeaux, just right with a Sunday roast. Recommended 8/10
ROI Chablis.
Can't go far wrong with almost any Chablis. Recommended. 8/10
Les Dauphins Cotes du Rhone Reserve
Love the label and this wine, a typical Cote du Rhone red, fruity, tangy and smooth. Highly drinkable and highly recommended. 9/10
La Cheteau 2011
One of the many Sauvignon blancs out there, again not the best but drinkable. Recommended. 7/10
Villemarin Picpoul de Pinet
A gloriously crisp and fruity white. Highly Recommended 9/10
Chateau des Tourelles
This is another great Medoc from the Bordeaux region, typically heavy and musky. Highly Drinkable. 10/10
Chateauneuf du Pape
The red to taste before you die. Go to the stunning village of the same name in the Cote du Rhone region south of Orange. Highly recommended. 10/10
White Bordeaux
Yes, white, recommended. 7/10
Paul Mas Marsanne 2010
Glorious and highly drinkable! 8/10
Touraine Sauvignon
Bland label, but good wine, not classy but a good taste, recommended. 7/10
A white Cote du Rhone This great white is a must, very light, crisp and dry. A must for the glorious, that is oak smoked salmon. Highly Recommended. 8/10
Vin de Sahis
This stunning white is from the French/Swiss alpine Border region, brought on the way through from Italy. A glorious local wine from a glorious part of the world. Highly recommended, just buy and try! 9/10
Chateau Preuillac
This Medoc is a Cru Bourgeois, stunning in taste and depth. Highly Recommended! 9/10
Cotes de Gascogne 2010
Another gorgeous Savignon Blanc, this one from Tescos, the French really do make great wines. Highly Recommended! 9/10
La Vieille Ferme.
A lovely dry white, great with seafood, or just by itself. Highly recommended! 9/10
Les Hauts de Bonpas 2009
A nice enough and cheapish blended red. Highly Drinkable. 8/10
A White Burgundy. Yes! This Chardonnay varity is nectar in a bottle, to keep as it'll only get better with age. Or like me, just drink it! Highly recommended. 9/10
Le Hameau 2009
Another glorious varity of this grape, dry, crisp gotta try with Scampi and chips.Recommended. 8/10
Prestige de Calvet 2009
A white Bordeaux, drunk my first a couple of years ago, they only get better. Buy, Drink. Recommended. 8/10
Calvet Touraine
This French Sauvignon Blanc just works. Full of citrus, crisp, light, serve chilled, highly drinkable. Had this with a Indian party food mix. Recommended. 8/10
La Vieille Ferme 2009 This glorious red is from the famous Chateau de Beaucastel in the Rhone Valley. A must try. Recommended. 8/10
Chablis Premier Cru 2008
This wine is outstanding, simply outstanding. A bottle to keep as it'll only get better with age. Just try it! Highly recommended. 10/10
Chat-eu-Oeuf
Buy it just for the label, and the wine is outstanding. Recommended. 9/10
Bouchard Aine & Fils Chardonnay
Yet another example of this diverse grape, love it or hate it. This is a good example. Drinkable. 7/10
Chateau du Galan 2008
A Haut-Medoc, a typically spicy, musky red from the glorious wine region that is Bordeaux. Highly Recommended. 9/10
Cote du Rhone
Can't really go wrong, even with a cheap one. Highly drinkable. 7/10
Claret.
Enough said! Try with stew and dumplings, in front of an open fire. 9/10
La Village du Sud.
Another of these series of wines. French, white, cheap enough said, try with seafood or salads. Recommended. 7/10
La Maison de Charlotte
French, white, enough said, try with seafood or salads. Recommended. 7/10
Piper Heidsieck
Brut Champagne, just buy! Recommended. 9/10
La Tour de Marrenon
A reasonably priced red, but good quality. Try with hard cheeses or red meats. Recommended. 8/10
Cuvee du Midi 2008
A rather nice and different dry white from France, try with fish or seafood. Recommended. 7/10
Cheval de Saint Georges 2008
Another fine Sauvignon blanc from France, of course, try with salads. Recommended. 7/10
Maurel Vedeau Sauvignon Blanc
Dont delay, buy today! Sheer luxury, got to try chilled with garlic and herb marinated prawns. Highly recommended. 9/10
Macon Villages Chardonnay
One of the many fine French varities of this grape, and this one is one of the ones to taste; great colour, fruity and a little zest. Highly recommended. 8/10
Cotes-Du-Rhone-Villages
Very pleasant, a really good, light red from this famous region. Good with roasts, cheeses or a traditionally cooked sheperds pie, yummy! Recommended. 8/10
Costieres de Nimes 2008
A lovely refreshing white, chill and enjoy in the evening sunshine over a bbq. Recommended. 9/10
Langlois Champagne
Can't go wrong with this cheaper bubbly, great for any occassion. Recommended. 8/10
La Grande Classique Corbieres 2007
Very pleasant, a nice suprise, good with roast lamb. Recommended. 8/10
Les Chasseignes Sancerre 2006
One of the whites to buy before you die. Should have kept it a few more years, would have only got better. A true classic! Highly recommended. 9/10
Le Grand Chai Medoc 2005
Sould have kept this for at least 10yrs, or even 15yrs before drinking, it would have only got better. Really deep and earthy, love this type of wine. Highly recommended. 9/10
Blanc Neuf la Bastide
Pure pleasure! Highly recommended. 10/10
Hoste du Roy
From the Languedoc region, a lovely crisp white. Highly recommended. 8/10
Medoc 2007
Sould have kept this for at least 5yrs, or even 10yrs before drinking, it would have only got better. Really deep and earthy, love this type of wine. Highly recommended. 8/10
Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Enough said! THE grape to buy before you die! Highly recommended. 10/10
Chateau Millegrand Minervois Grand Reserve 2005 Very nice, full of flavour and great depth. Drink it and be happy. Highly recommended. 8/10
Chateau du Bert 2003
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. One of the bottles to buy before you die. Highly Recommended! 10/10
Chateau de Balan 2006
Again from the Bordeaux region. Again, Highly Recommended! 10/10
La Difference
This Viognier, Muscat blend actually works, perfect for fish, salads etc. Recommended. 8/10
Vaqueyras 2007
From the famous Cote du Rhone area. Recommended. 8/10
Chateau Villenouvette 2000 Reserve
A stunning French red, try it! Highly Recommended! 10/10
Robert Nicolie Chablis 2006
Chablis, enough said! Highly recommended! 9/10
Chateau Les Faures 2003
A very good Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon from Bordeaux. A fresh, crisp taste, for the evening around the barbeque. Great with Chinese food, or fish. 7/10
Chateau Castelbruck Margaux 2004
Pure lust in a bottle! Just outstanding, and it will get even better with age! Highly recommended! 10/10
Domaine Baille 2003
This is a deliciously intense 100% Carignan, spicy and full of berries, fanastic aroma. Great with barbequed steak. Recommended! 8/10
Domaine Les Fontaines 2003
This is another great example of delicious Carignan, spicy and full of berries, fanastic aroma. Great with barbequed meats, or roasts. Recommended! 8/10
Domaine Des Cottereaux Sancerre 2006
Sancerre! Yet another, outstanding french dry crisp white, great with fish, seafood. Highly recommended 10/10
Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis 2005
A very fine, classic example of this lovely crisp, dry white. Just drink it! Highly recommended 9/10
Pouilly Fume 2005
Enough said! Highly recommended 10/10
Domaine De Nalys Les Dix Salmees 2005
Chateauneuf-Du-Pape AOC I don't think I can ever get tired of drinking Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, just simply one of the best reds in the world! Full of fruit, spice and has great depth of taste, great with hearty stews, grills, roasts, game, hard cheeses or just by itself. From the Rhone area of France, it's village namesake is typically French and very beautiful. Highly recommended 10/10
Beaujolais 2007
A rather nice variety of this well known tipple, full of flavour and depth. Recommended 7/10
Co-op Claret
A Claret yes, but not as we know it. 5/10
Domaine Dupre Macon-Villages AOC Chardonnay 2003
An outstanding example of this grape, gets better with age, full of flavour and fruit, great depth, a must drink. Goes with anything, well almost. Highly Recommended! 10/10
Lupe-Cholet Bourgogne AOC 2006
Another stunning wine from this family, full of smoky fruit flavouring, glorious depth. A must try! Highly Recommended! 10/10
Cotes de Castillon, Reserve des Confreres 2000
A quality mature Claret, from quality Terroir and mostly from the Merlot grape; a joy to drink, a pleasure to share. Try with hard cheeses, roasts, game or by itself. Highly Recommended! 9/10
Ventoux 2007
This French red is sheer quality, try with cheeses, or by itself. Recommended. 8/10
Reserve Bridayne 2005
An excellent example of a white Chateauneuf, from the maestro Andre Roux, this is such a lovely, rich, dry and oak flavoured white. From one of my favourite winemakers, impress anyone with this classic! Highly recommended! 9/10
Rully 2004
A stunning white from the Cote Chalonnaise region of Burgundy, made from the Chardonnay grape, and oak aged! Quality! Great with seafood, or salads. Highly recommended! 9/10
Chateau Ferreyres 2003
Don’t you just love claret! If you don’t, try this one, outstanding flavour, quality and value. Highly recommended! 9/10
La Chasse Du Pape Reserve 2005
A classic Cote du Rhone red! This smooth velvety full-flavoured red, just tastes of quality! Great with British roast beef, or some English cheddar. Highly recommended! 9/10
Domaine Le Hitton 2004
A very nice Sauvignon Blanc Colombard! Like it, or loathe it, Sauvignon has produced some intense flavours, and this goes very well with seafood and Asian dishes. 7/10
Domaine Daniel Reverdy 2007
Pure quality. Highly Recommended. 9/10
Saint Jovian 2007
This cheap dry white from Lidl/Aldi, one of them, ok to try, not sure I would again. 5/10
Tesco Claret
Like it, or hate it. It's cheap and it is "Claret". 5/10
Tesco Cotes du Rhone
Like it, or hate it. Cheap, and it's a Cotes du Rhone. 6/10
La Chasse du Pape 2007
Baby Pape, but very nice. Unoaked, but good quality. Try with that winter stew. Recommended. 8/10
Maurel Vedeau Merlot - Cabernet Franc 2008
First time tasting this type of wine. Pleasantly surprised, great with brie and bread. Recommended. 8/10
Burgundy 2007
This white, yes white, oak aged Burgundy is superb! It's got to be the white to drink in a few years time. Great with salads, seafood, cheeses, or by itself. Quality. Recommended. 8/10
Chateau Gravieres de la Madeleine Bordeaux 2004
Spotted this Bordeaux in Lidl's, give it a try. Not that great, a little sharp in taste, but tasted better with a mature cheese. 6/10
Chateau de Trousse 2007
This Sauvignon was also spotted in Lidl's, and given a try. Verdict? Cheap and sharp, not my taste. But with a mature cheddar, dulled my tastebuds enough to finish the bottle. :) 5/10
Reserve De Villecours Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
A not too unpleasant drink, lacks a little depth, but fine all the same. Try with anything. 6/10
Fief du Chardonnay 2007
Another great example of Chardonnay, the 'hen night' favourite this time from France. Full of citrus, crisp, and dry. Try with seafood. Highly recommended 9/10
The Frenchhouse Chardonnay 2007
Full of citrus, crisp, and dry. Recommended 8/10
Chateau Pontet Barrail 2005
This is a fine example of a claret, aged for 14mths in French Oak, stunning. Great with hard chesses, or rich meats. Highly recommended 10/10
Chateau Bellegrave Medoc 2006
I’ve yet to find a bad red from this region, and this doesn’t disappoint me. Quality, depth and full of taste. Recommended 8/10
Cotes du Rhone Villages 2007
French, red, cheap and not that bad. 6/10
Stone Road Chardonnay Colombard 2007
A very pleasant example of this white grape blend from the Gascony region of Southern France, dry, full of citrus flavour, great with fish. Recommended 8/10
Chateau Les Rocs de Boyer 2006
A pleasant white Bordeaux, but lacks depth. 7/10
Chateau de Nety Beaujolais-Villages 2004
A simply outstanding light red, excellent with a ploughmans lunch. Highly recommended. 10/10
Montagny 2003
A dry, slighty creamy white from the Grand Vin De Bourgogne, goes well with fish, chicken and a good soft cheese. Recommended 7/10
Chateau Laveau 2005
Yet another very pleasant Claret, great with grills and hard cheeses. Recommended 7/10
Bordeaux Fontagnac 2006 A pleasant merlot, cabernet sauvignon blend, very nice with roasts. Recommended 7/10
Bergerac Sec 2005
A not to unpleasant, but drinkable dry white. 6/10
Blanc Moelleux
A very reasonably priced white, at 2.40 Euros a bottle, a cert for a good basic table wine. 6/10
Cotes de Rhone 2005
Another 2.40 bottle, but this red is a smooth, fruity affair, a very good table wine. Good for grills, recommended. 7/10
Fort Medoc 1998
A very nice Haut-Medoc from the Bordeaux region. Recommended. 8/10
Chateau Hennebelle 1999
A very, very nice Haut-Medoc from the Bordeaux region, but not exported. The Chateau is just off the D2 near Margaux. Highly Recommended. 9/10
Chateau Aney 1999
Chateau Aney was classified a Cru Bourgeois in 1932, aging it in oak barrels gives it a smokey taste, full of spices. Recommended. 8/10
Le Gravillas Sablet 2006
A very nice tangy red from the Cote-du-Rhone region. Recommended. 7/10
Chateau Du Trignon 2006
One of the famous names in the Cote-du-Rhone region, a very pleasant light red for the winter evenings. Recommended. 7/10
Chateau Les Marcottes 2005
A not unpleasant dry white from the Bordeaux region. 6/10
La Vigne du Roy Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004
This is a very nice example of this French classic, try with hard cheeses, or a good stew. Highly recommended! 9/10
Chateau Gachon 2005
A Montagne Saint-Emilion, enough said? It does take a glass or two, to develop the required taste to appreciate this beauty fully. Highly recommended! 9/10
La Barque Hieille 2004
Yet another surperb wine from Andre Roux, simply, a classic Cotes-du-Rhone! Highly recommended! 9/10
Cotes du Rhone 2005
Nothing special, pleasant, red, drinkable. 5/10
Domaine du Tresor 2006
This Merlot Cabernet is fruity, spicy, and has an ok taste. 5/10
Baron d’Arignac 2006
Dry white, not unpleasant, good with white meats or salad. 4/10
Domaine Preignes Le Neuf 2006
Chardonnay from the Languedoc region, fruity, sunny, buts lacks depth. Good with fish or white meat. 4/10
Andre Roux Vieilles Vignes 2004
Yes, my favourite winemaker; Andre Roux. This bottle of Cotes-du-Rhone has it all, taste, depth, full of spice and 15%. Another quality, but reasonable priced wine, recommended for those long dark evenings. Try with Brie! 8/10
Cuvee du President 2000 Cremant de Limoux AOC
I know, I know, it's a girly drink, but sometimes a bit of fizz, puts some life into you, especially if you fancy your chances. As for this one, a very pleasant, light drink, full of bubbles and life. Perfect for any celebration, cheaper, and better, than most branded types. 9/10
Chateau Plantier Chene Vert 2005
Another great Claret. 8/10
Les Abeilles 2004
Another classic from the master; Andre Roux, a beautiful Cotes-du-Rhone. 9/10
Chateau Bujeau La Grave 2005
A bronze-medal winner, with ripened Cabernet Sauvignon grapes make this claret a joy to drink, try it with roast meats, or cheeses. Recommended! 8/10
Chateau Fontcaille Bellevue 2004
A gold-medal winner, made with 70% Merlot grapes, which gives an even more rich, fruity taste. Again, try with roast meats, or cheeses. Recommended! 8/10
Chateau La Guilbonnerie 2005
Another Merlot graped claret, medium bodied, and with a deep fruity taste, makes this a pleasant drink. Recommended! 7/10
Domaine des Herbauges 2006
Beware! This gold-medal winner from a former Loire winemaker of the year, is just too good to taste with a single glass, you will finish the bottle. A fruity Chardonnay, as good as many a Chablis, great for the late Summer evenings! Highly Recommended! 10/10
Domaine Mercadier 2005
A fabulous, wonderful and decent alternative to Chablis. This Chardonnay goes down a treat, drink with anything, or just by itself. Recommended! 8/10
Champs Des Princes 2004
A medium bodied red, ideal for starters, but only give to those you like, not love. 6/10.
Calvet Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc 2006
A very pleasant example, fruity, fresh and very drinkable. Recommended. 8/10
GERMANY;
Four R's Riesling 2008
This German white, is different, yet quite similar to some of the French/Italian Medium wines. Had this with artic roll, quite nice, would be good with xmas desserts. Quality. Recommended. 8/10
Stowells Rivaner Pinot Grigio
A very nice German example of this popular grape. Recommended. 8/10
ITALY;
Toscana
A glorious red from Tuscany, enough said! Highly recommended. 8/10
Italian Lucotto Pinot Grigio 2011
Typically Pinot Grigio, crisp and fruity. Recommended 7/10
Le Monferine A lovely fruity Italian red. Recommended 8/10
Primitivo Bella Luna.
A new one to me, typically Italian, lovely. Recommended. 8/10
Villa Taurini Fiano 2011
A gloriously crisp and fruity white from Italy, love the label and this wine. Highly Recommended 9/10
Foscana 2011
A nice example of a chardonnay and pinot grigio from Italy, great with chinese chicken balls. Recommended 7/10
Church Mouse
I love seeing interesting wine labels, even better when the wine is this good. Highly Recommended. 9/10
Moramari 2010
An award winning white from Italy, a great slurp, fruity, fresh, dry and light. Really enjoyed it! Highly recommended 9/10
Chianti Montalbanc 2008
An outstanding example of this famous Italian red, brought this back from Tuscany. Highly recommended 9/10
Piccini 2008
Another glorious red from Tuscany, this time brought in the UK. A true red. Highly recommended. 9/10
Palatium
Another good varity of Pinot Grigio Recommended. 7/10
Gran Conti Rosso del Molise Riserva
Another Italian red I don't know much about, not as smooth as the Villa Taurini, but still nice, tried it with a mature cheedar, good combination. Highly Drinkable. 8/10
Villa Taurini 2009
Don't know much about this Italian red, brought it for the label. And found it to be very smooth and highly drinkable, tried it with a chicken stew, probably better with a beef stew. Recommended! 9/10
Seven Hills white
This Italian is from Asda; fruity, sharp and drinkable. Also a nice label. 7/10
Piccini Chanti.
A lovely rich red, and in a handy half bottle, just right for a Sunday roast lunch. Highly drinkable. 8/10.
Palastri Sangiovese Di Romagna Don't know much about this red, but it's different and rather pleasant. Had it with a lasagna. Nice! 8/10
Chanti.
One of Italy's favourite wines, rather pleasant and highly drinkable. 7/10
Tesco Vinho Verde
A cheap and poor quality version, no where as near as good as some. But drinkable. 6/10
White Merlot?!
Interesting! Didn't actually taste that bad. Try with spicy food.
Villa de Moresc...., it's italian and red, try. 6/10
La Fonte
Cheap Italian red, but not unpleasant,try. 6/10
La Fonte
Cheap Italian white, but not unpleasant,try. 6/10
Ogio Pinot Grigio 2009
A decent and seemily fresher tasting varity of this favourite grape. Recommended 8/10
Lagioisa Pinot Grigio
A pleasant enough varity of this favourite grape. 7/10
Val Duna
Italian, dry crisp, white, no too bad at all. 7/10
Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2006
Italian, nice, try it. 7/10
Linoti Pinot Grigio
This cheap version of this widely popular grape, is pleasant enough, lacks the quality of the bigger brands, but drinkable. 6/10
Bellaveroni Pinot Grigio
Yet another varity of this grape. Pleasant enough. 7/10
Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio 2008
Yet another varity of this grape. Pleasant enough. 6/10
Pinot Grigio 2007
Same grape; one of the many different winemakers who make this summery tipple an enjoyment. Great for those "Indian Summer" evenings. Recommended. 8/10
Lucilla Farnetella 2005
Never heard of this one before. Tasted it, it’s alright, full of flavour, has some depth. 7/10
Collezione Di Paolo Chanti 2006
One of Italy’s finest; This Chianti is full of fruit, spices, and very enjoyable, great with grills or stews. Recommended 8/10
Frascati 2006
An Italian classic, more than drinkable, light and fresh. Recommended. 8/10
Il Tesoro Chianti 2005
A very good example of this Italian favourite! Great with pasta, or Mediterranean food. Recommended! 8/10
Cantoni Pinot Grigio 2006
An excellent example of the grape of the moment, fruity and refreshing. Try with fish, salad, or just by itself. Highly recommended! 9/10
MOROCCO;
Les vins de Cepage from the cellar of Meknes
Yes, a Moroccan wine, this Sauvignon blanc is, surprisily tasty, must be the French influence. Brought a few bottles, had it with bbq's and tajine's. Highly Drinkable. 8/10
MOLDOVA;
Albastrele Pinot Grigio 2005
Moldova's answer to this popular grape, marked as the "wine of the Tsars", a pleasant and cheap alternative to the Italian variaties. But lacks depth of taste. 5/10
NEW ZEALAND;
Okahu Bay
A lovely white from NZ, dry, crisp and fruity. Recommended. 8/10
Crux
This Sauvignon blanc form the Marlborough region of New Zealand, is famed for its wine. This is dry, crisp and smooth, it just works. Recommended. 8/10
Freeman's Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Another decent white from this great Kiwi region of Marlborough. Recommended. 8/10
The Rise Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Another Kiwi varity of versatile grape, and again from the famous Marlborough region, highly drinkable. Had this with cheedar cheese and biscuits! 8/10
Wairau Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2009
A Kiwi varity of versatile grape, from the famous Marlborough region, highly drinkable. Great with seafood! 8/10
Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2007
A pleasant white from New Zealand. Recommended. 7/10
PORTUGAL;
Vinho Verde 2010
A Portuguese wine, thought I'd try some before going to Portugal and it's not too bad. Recommended. 8/10
Touriga Nacional 2010
A lovely wine from Portugal, dry and fruity yet not too heavy. 7/10
SICILY;
Nero D'Avola.
A rather pleasant red from Sicily. Recommended. 8/10
Di Tasso 2005
A white from Sicily, yes Sicily! Not renown for wine, but making a renewed start into this market. This soave tasting wine has quality, but not depth. 5/10
SOUTH AFRICA;
SA Yellow Tail
Sauvignon Blanc, crisp, dry and fruity. Full of flavour, lovely. Recommended 8/10
Namaqua Diamond Coast
South Africa in a bottle, not quite and not the best, but pleasant enough. Recommended. 6/10
Arniston Bay Chardonnay 2010
Another great South African white, although from a common grape, this has a bit of a lemony zing to the taste. Drink it with almost anything. Recommended. 8/10
Stormhoek Sauvignon Blanc 2010
"Seriously good wine" it says on the label, must of meant another bottle, not this one. I know it's young, but lacks both taste and depth, not normally associated with SA wines. 4/10
Western Cape white
Another cheap white from South African and from tesco's, this one not as nice, but good enough for cooking, adding to a punch or giving to your mother-in-law. :) 6/10
Western Cape Chenin Blanc
A lovely sharp tasting varity of this grape, this time from South African. A cheap tesco brand, but still nice. Recommended. 7/10
Mitchell’s Pass 2005
Another South African winner! This Petit Verdot from the Western Cape, is rich in flavour, and has good depth of colour! 7/10
Arniston Bay 2007
This SA Chenin Blanc Chardonnay, is quite tasty. Recommended. 8/10
Maria's Block 2007
This Semillon was also spotted in Lidl's, and given a try. Verdict? Cheap and cheerful. 6/10
Western Cape Chenin Blanc 2007
This cheap, but very pleasant South African wine is light, dry and crisp. 7/10
Fairtrade Cape Chenin Blanc Colombard
Ran out of wine!!! Outrageous! So brought a few bottles in a hurry, this being one of them. Not that bad actually, best chilled. 7/10
Ocean View Chenin Blanc 2005
A decent example of this fine grape from South Africa, great with salads. Recommened 7/10
Makulu Chenin Blanc
From the Western Cape, this fruity, pleasant Chenin Blanc goes rather well with; white meats, and salads. 7/10
21 Gables Merlot 2005
From South Africa, a decent and limited release of this classic winemaker! Deep ruby volume, lovely taste! South Africa is getting this grape right! 7/10
SPAIN;
Navarra 2011.
A nice Spanish red, deep and fruity. Recommended. 8/10
Rioja Gran Familia
A very pleasant drink with a roaring fire and a meaty stew. Highly drinkable! 8/10
Berberana Carta de Plata
This is the white version of this great wine from Spain and is outstanding, fresh, crisp, and made with Airen grapes. A bottle to keep as it'll only get better with age. Highly recommended. 9/10
Berberana Carta de Plata
This great red wine is Spanish and outstanding, from the same grape as a Rioja, but aged for 6yrs. A bottle to keep as it'll only get better with age. Highly recommended. 9/10
VinaSol 2010
A british expat in Spains' favourite, and with good reason. It has depth and body, you can drink it with almost anything. Recommended. 7/10
Stork's Tower
Sauvignon blanc 2008, remember the name, just buy! Recommened. 9/10
Finca La Solana de Luzon 2007
Can't go wrong with this Spanish wine, good with tapas, or anything meaty. 7/10
Barcelino
Oak Aged red from Catalunya. Lovely, perfect for wintery stews, roast game. Recommended 9/10
Labarca Rioja 2007
A fine example of this Spanish grape; great with cheese and biscuits. 7/10
Vina Labarta Rioja 2007
Spanish! Red! Rioja, enough said!? Recommended 8/10
Monasterio de Santa Cruz tarragona 2006
Spanish! Red! Lovely! Recommended 8/10
Castillo De Jumilla 2002 Reserva
A very nice example of this Spanish grape; Monastrell, full of flavour and depth, great with hard cheeses. Highly recommended 9/10
Jean-Marie Serre Cabernet Sauvignon Vin de Pays Catalan 2001
A very fine example of this lovely blend of red grapes, picked from a wine wholesaler in Calais for only 3.80 Euros a bottle. Great with grills, game and hard chesses. Highly Recommened 9/10
Bodegas Gran Martinez Rioja 2006
A very fine example of this lovely Spanish red. Highly recommended 9/10
Le XV du President 2005 Cotes Catalanes VdP
Spanish Passion in a bottle, Highly recommended 9/10
nena 1999 A stunning red from Spain, aged in oak barrels, just ripe and full of plum and other fruity flavours. Try with roasts, or hard cheeses. 9/10
Castillo de Valdestrada 1997
Made from the Tempramillo grape (which I normally don't like), but this is a stunning example of a rich, plum and oak flavoured red. Aged in oak casks, perfect for game. 10/10
Saint Jean De Serrabone 2004
A pleasant red to be drunk with a mature hard cheese. 7/10
Baron De Barbon Oak Aged 2004
Lovely! A deliciously fruity oak-aged Rioja, perfect for Tapas! Recommended! 9/10
Conde Alegre Rioja 2005
A drinkable example of this Spanish classic. Intense fruity aromas, plum flavoured with a hint oak. Try with tapas, or chicken. 6/10
Romita Rioja 2005
Just simply a stunning Rioja! Drink at your leisure. Highly Recommended! 8/10
UK;
Tenterden Chapel Reserve 2003
This is wine, but not as we know it! Unlike Land Rovers, wine isn’t something the British can be proud of. I even struggled to finish the bottle! Though that said, the future does look good for British vineyards. 4/10
What your favourite? Our in-house tester, Hic, has been testing this months slurps.
ARGENTINA;
La Leyenda
A rather pleasant chardonnay from the Guentota Estate, new to me, but a typically lovely white from Argentina. Recommended 8/10
Las Moras Argentinan Pinot Grigio
This a fine example of this lovely grape, a dry white, great with seafood, or just by itself. Recommended! 8/10
La Portena Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Another great wine from the Mendoza region of Argentina, full of citrus, fresh, and dry. 7/10
Valle de la Luna Pinot Grigio 2007
This Argentinean variety of this grape is also as good as the Italian, very dry, crisp and full of flavour. Recommended 7/10
Vina Arroyo Malbec 2004
From one of the new world’s most exciting areas, this barrel-aged Malbec is from the upper region of Mendoza right in the heart of Argentina’s wine growing region. This is a very good, ripe, perfumed red! 7/10
AUSTRALIA;
Telegraph station
A really nice Pinot Noir. Recommended 8/10
Hardys Crest Cabernet Shiraz
Ok, nothing special. 6/10
McGuigan 2011
A lovely example of a chardonnay viognier from OZ, great for the final days of summer sun. Recommended 8/10
Nottage Hill 2011
Another chardonnay from OZ, but not to my liking or usual quality from down under. 6/10
Calloway Crossing
Another great white from OZ. Recommended. 8/10
Paterson's Grove Sauvignon-Semillion-Verdelho
Another picturesque label form OZ. What a mixture, but actually works for me, different and pleasurable and highly Drinkable! 8/10
The Big Kahuna
A great name, a nice fresh crisp, cheap white from OZ. Great with seafood, tried with a prawn party platter, lovely. Highly Drinkable. 8/10
Banrock Station 2009
Colombard Chardonnay, this lovely version is from OZ. Great in this sunny, hot October weather, with the barbi, of course. Highly Drinkable. 8/10
The Firetail Estate Selection
This Aussie Semillon Sauvignon combination just works. Full of citrus flavours, serve chilled, highly drinkable. Had this with a prawn party food mix. Recommended. 8/10
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay
Another great OZ varity of this grape. Must be chilled, try with anything. Recommended. 8/10
Bushland Chardonnay 2008
Another great OZ varity of this grape. Must be chilled, try with bbq spicy ribs. Recommended. 7/10
Bin 53 Chardonnay 2008 Love them or hate them; Hardys do produce some good wines, this white being one. Recommended. 7/10
McPherson Family Vineyard 2008
A Jock vineyard's Cabernet Sauvignon; Australian, red, great for the barbi! I like this type of wine chilled in warmer climes, make it a longer drink by adding soda or lemonade, with ice and a slice. Recommended. 7/10
Firetail Chardonnay
Another fine OZ varity of this popular and sometimes abused grape. Highly recommended. 9/10 Kenton Valley Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Another fine OZ variety of this grape, fruity, crisp and plenty of flavour. Recommended 7/10
Redheads Pinball 2006
A "great white" from OZ; Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Riesling, Semillon, Viognier, it's all in here. This wonderfully full tasting white from the famous McLaren Vale is superb, full of fruit, crisp, dry, what more could you want. Great with salads, fish, but with spicy Thai food, perfect. Highly Recommended! 9/10
Barooga Station Cabernet Merlot 2007
This rich and fruity OZ wine, from the great Sam Trimboli, is very nice. And the different fruits, touches of spices and mocha chocolate, makes this a great BBQ slurp. Recommended. 8/10
Sir Beauford Chardonnay 2007
A very good example of what grape should taste like, great with seafood, salads or cheeses. Recommended 8/10
Pepperton Estate Shiraz 2007
Australia really have got this grape right; yet another fine example of this grape, great with roasts or cheeses. Recommended 8/10
Black Boar Caladoc Shiraz 2007
Another great Shiraz from the new world, this time OZ. Full of taste, depth and dry. Try with hard cheeses or stews. 8/10
Barooga Station Verdelho Chardonnay 2007
Another great juicy white from OZ, tangy citrus flavour, crisp, and dry. Highly recommended 9/10
McPherson Pickles' Sauvignon Blanc 2007
A great Australian example of a favourite white, from the Murray Darling region, fresh, dry and crisp. Recommended 8/10
The Boxer Oak aged Durif 2007
Quality written all over it! Try it, recommended 8/10
Eagle's Craig Chardonnay 2007
Not usually a fan of Australian varieties of this grape, this is crisp, fresh and with a hint of oak. Try chilled, with seafood or salads. Recommended 7/10
Warburn Estate premium Reserve Shiraz 2007 Australia have got this grape right, and this is a fine example of that, the taste is full of dark fruit, spices and oak. Recommended 8/10
Holroyd Farm Shiraz 2005
A very nice oak aged Shiraz, 14% with a hint of vanilla. Great with roast lamb, or vegetarian dishes. Recommended! 7/10
Western Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2006
A generous Aussie Sauvignon Blanc, great with barbequed prawns. Recommended! 7/10
Paddle Wheel Shiraz Viognier 2005
A rich, medium bodied and fruit flavoured red. Good value for money, great with meat. 6/10
Sturt & Hume 2004 This stunning oak aged Chardonnay from Australia, tastes superb! Full of flavours, a classic! Recommended! 8/10
The Black Stump 2005 Another very good Aussie white, this Verdelho-Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio combination works! 7/10
CHILE;
Palo Alta.
Another nice example of sauvignon blanc, this time from chile's Maule Valley. Recommended. 7/10
Cambucha
A lovely sauvignon blanc from Chile, light and fresh. Recommended 8/10
Casablanca Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010
This Chilean white is an Asda "extra", extra what, not sure, lacks some taste really. 5/10
Long Slim White
From Chile, which is fast becoming known for producing some very good wines. This isn't one of them, but I still enjoyed it. Recommended. 7/10
Alta Tierra Sauvignon Blanc 2008
This crisp, dry and fruity Chilean white from the Elqui Valley, isn't too bad, all the scents from the different fruits work well. Very surprised, and delighted, try with barbarqued prawns. Recommended! 8/10
Chileno Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Another great Sauvignon from the new world, this time Chile. Full of citrus, crisp, and dry. 7/10
Chardonnay Central Valley 2007 Another Chilean example of a favourite white grape; this also is fresh, dry and crisp. 7/10
Valle Central Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This Chilean example is fresh and fruity, another cheap but pleasant dry white. 7/10
Don Cayetano Carmenere 2005 A very good velvety, deep ruby red, from a top estate in Chile. Full of flavour, try with a Sunday roast! Recommended. 7/10
FRANCE;
Chateau Saint Nabor, enough said, though should have kept at least another 5-10yrs before drinking it. But One life Live it!
Another great Corsican wine, this time red. This island has some stunning wines. Highly recommended. 8/10
Gros Plant du Pays Nantais. A lovely bottle from the Loire region. Recommended. 8/10
Corsican wine! Beautiful, full of life and sunshine, just like Corsica. Highly recommended 8/10
Saint Vigni Cote du Rhone
Can't go wrong with this one. Recommended. 7/10
Saint Mont
A Tecso, French Red, rather nice actually. Recommended. 7/10
Chateau Les Gauries
A lovely Bordeaux, just right with a Sunday roast. Recommended 8/10
ROI Chablis.
Can't go far wrong with almost any Chablis. Recommended. 8/10
Les Dauphins Cotes du Rhone Reserve
Love the label and this wine, a typical Cote du Rhone red, fruity, tangy and smooth. Highly drinkable and highly recommended. 9/10
La Cheteau 2011
One of the many Sauvignon blancs out there, again not the best but drinkable. Recommended. 7/10
Villemarin Picpoul de Pinet
A gloriously crisp and fruity white. Highly Recommended 9/10
Chateau des Tourelles
This is another great Medoc from the Bordeaux region, typically heavy and musky. Highly Drinkable. 10/10
Chateauneuf du Pape
The red to taste before you die. Go to the stunning village of the same name in the Cote du Rhone region south of Orange. Highly recommended. 10/10
White Bordeaux
Yes, white, recommended. 7/10
Paul Mas Marsanne 2010
Glorious and highly drinkable! 8/10
Touraine Sauvignon
Bland label, but good wine, not classy but a good taste, recommended. 7/10
A white Cote du Rhone This great white is a must, very light, crisp and dry. A must for the glorious, that is oak smoked salmon. Highly Recommended. 8/10
Vin de Sahis
This stunning white is from the French/Swiss alpine Border region, brought on the way through from Italy. A glorious local wine from a glorious part of the world. Highly recommended, just buy and try! 9/10
Chateau Preuillac
This Medoc is a Cru Bourgeois, stunning in taste and depth. Highly Recommended! 9/10
Cotes de Gascogne 2010
Another gorgeous Savignon Blanc, this one from Tescos, the French really do make great wines. Highly Recommended! 9/10
La Vieille Ferme.
A lovely dry white, great with seafood, or just by itself. Highly recommended! 9/10
Les Hauts de Bonpas 2009
A nice enough and cheapish blended red. Highly Drinkable. 8/10
A White Burgundy. Yes! This Chardonnay varity is nectar in a bottle, to keep as it'll only get better with age. Or like me, just drink it! Highly recommended. 9/10
Le Hameau 2009
Another glorious varity of this grape, dry, crisp gotta try with Scampi and chips.Recommended. 8/10
Prestige de Calvet 2009
A white Bordeaux, drunk my first a couple of years ago, they only get better. Buy, Drink. Recommended. 8/10
Calvet Touraine
This French Sauvignon Blanc just works. Full of citrus, crisp, light, serve chilled, highly drinkable. Had this with a Indian party food mix. Recommended. 8/10
La Vieille Ferme 2009 This glorious red is from the famous Chateau de Beaucastel in the Rhone Valley. A must try. Recommended. 8/10
Chablis Premier Cru 2008
This wine is outstanding, simply outstanding. A bottle to keep as it'll only get better with age. Just try it! Highly recommended. 10/10
Chat-eu-Oeuf
Buy it just for the label, and the wine is outstanding. Recommended. 9/10
Bouchard Aine & Fils Chardonnay
Yet another example of this diverse grape, love it or hate it. This is a good example. Drinkable. 7/10
Chateau du Galan 2008
A Haut-Medoc, a typically spicy, musky red from the glorious wine region that is Bordeaux. Highly Recommended. 9/10
Cote du Rhone
Can't really go wrong, even with a cheap one. Highly drinkable. 7/10
Claret.
Enough said! Try with stew and dumplings, in front of an open fire. 9/10
La Village du Sud.
Another of these series of wines. French, white, cheap enough said, try with seafood or salads. Recommended. 7/10
La Maison de Charlotte
French, white, enough said, try with seafood or salads. Recommended. 7/10
Piper Heidsieck
Brut Champagne, just buy! Recommended. 9/10
La Tour de Marrenon
A reasonably priced red, but good quality. Try with hard cheeses or red meats. Recommended. 8/10
Cuvee du Midi 2008
A rather nice and different dry white from France, try with fish or seafood. Recommended. 7/10
Cheval de Saint Georges 2008
Another fine Sauvignon blanc from France, of course, try with salads. Recommended. 7/10
Maurel Vedeau Sauvignon Blanc
Dont delay, buy today! Sheer luxury, got to try chilled with garlic and herb marinated prawns. Highly recommended. 9/10
Macon Villages Chardonnay
One of the many fine French varities of this grape, and this one is one of the ones to taste; great colour, fruity and a little zest. Highly recommended. 8/10
Cotes-Du-Rhone-Villages
Very pleasant, a really good, light red from this famous region. Good with roasts, cheeses or a traditionally cooked sheperds pie, yummy! Recommended. 8/10
Costieres de Nimes 2008
A lovely refreshing white, chill and enjoy in the evening sunshine over a bbq. Recommended. 9/10
Langlois Champagne
Can't go wrong with this cheaper bubbly, great for any occassion. Recommended. 8/10
La Grande Classique Corbieres 2007
Very pleasant, a nice suprise, good with roast lamb. Recommended. 8/10
Les Chasseignes Sancerre 2006
One of the whites to buy before you die. Should have kept it a few more years, would have only got better. A true classic! Highly recommended. 9/10
Le Grand Chai Medoc 2005
Sould have kept this for at least 10yrs, or even 15yrs before drinking, it would have only got better. Really deep and earthy, love this type of wine. Highly recommended. 9/10
Blanc Neuf la Bastide
Pure pleasure! Highly recommended. 10/10
Hoste du Roy
From the Languedoc region, a lovely crisp white. Highly recommended. 8/10
Medoc 2007
Sould have kept this for at least 5yrs, or even 10yrs before drinking, it would have only got better. Really deep and earthy, love this type of wine. Highly recommended. 8/10
Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Enough said! THE grape to buy before you die! Highly recommended. 10/10
Chateau Millegrand Minervois Grand Reserve 2005 Very nice, full of flavour and great depth. Drink it and be happy. Highly recommended. 8/10
Chateau du Bert 2003
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. One of the bottles to buy before you die. Highly Recommended! 10/10
Chateau de Balan 2006
Again from the Bordeaux region. Again, Highly Recommended! 10/10
La Difference
This Viognier, Muscat blend actually works, perfect for fish, salads etc. Recommended. 8/10
Vaqueyras 2007
From the famous Cote du Rhone area. Recommended. 8/10
Chateau Villenouvette 2000 Reserve
A stunning French red, try it! Highly Recommended! 10/10
Robert Nicolie Chablis 2006
Chablis, enough said! Highly recommended! 9/10
Chateau Les Faures 2003
A very good Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon from Bordeaux. A fresh, crisp taste, for the evening around the barbeque. Great with Chinese food, or fish. 7/10
Chateau Castelbruck Margaux 2004
Pure lust in a bottle! Just outstanding, and it will get even better with age! Highly recommended! 10/10
Domaine Baille 2003
This is a deliciously intense 100% Carignan, spicy and full of berries, fanastic aroma. Great with barbequed steak. Recommended! 8/10
Domaine Les Fontaines 2003
This is another great example of delicious Carignan, spicy and full of berries, fanastic aroma. Great with barbequed meats, or roasts. Recommended! 8/10
Domaine Des Cottereaux Sancerre 2006
Sancerre! Yet another, outstanding french dry crisp white, great with fish, seafood. Highly recommended 10/10
Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis 2005
A very fine, classic example of this lovely crisp, dry white. Just drink it! Highly recommended 9/10
Pouilly Fume 2005
Enough said! Highly recommended 10/10
Domaine De Nalys Les Dix Salmees 2005
Chateauneuf-Du-Pape AOC I don't think I can ever get tired of drinking Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, just simply one of the best reds in the world! Full of fruit, spice and has great depth of taste, great with hearty stews, grills, roasts, game, hard cheeses or just by itself. From the Rhone area of France, it's village namesake is typically French and very beautiful. Highly recommended 10/10
Beaujolais 2007
A rather nice variety of this well known tipple, full of flavour and depth. Recommended 7/10
Co-op Claret
A Claret yes, but not as we know it. 5/10
Domaine Dupre Macon-Villages AOC Chardonnay 2003
An outstanding example of this grape, gets better with age, full of flavour and fruit, great depth, a must drink. Goes with anything, well almost. Highly Recommended! 10/10
Lupe-Cholet Bourgogne AOC 2006
Another stunning wine from this family, full of smoky fruit flavouring, glorious depth. A must try! Highly Recommended! 10/10
Cotes de Castillon, Reserve des Confreres 2000
A quality mature Claret, from quality Terroir and mostly from the Merlot grape; a joy to drink, a pleasure to share. Try with hard cheeses, roasts, game or by itself. Highly Recommended! 9/10
Ventoux 2007
This French red is sheer quality, try with cheeses, or by itself. Recommended. 8/10
Reserve Bridayne 2005
An excellent example of a white Chateauneuf, from the maestro Andre Roux, this is such a lovely, rich, dry and oak flavoured white. From one of my favourite winemakers, impress anyone with this classic! Highly recommended! 9/10
Rully 2004
A stunning white from the Cote Chalonnaise region of Burgundy, made from the Chardonnay grape, and oak aged! Quality! Great with seafood, or salads. Highly recommended! 9/10
Chateau Ferreyres 2003
Don’t you just love claret! If you don’t, try this one, outstanding flavour, quality and value. Highly recommended! 9/10
La Chasse Du Pape Reserve 2005
A classic Cote du Rhone red! This smooth velvety full-flavoured red, just tastes of quality! Great with British roast beef, or some English cheddar. Highly recommended! 9/10
Domaine Le Hitton 2004
A very nice Sauvignon Blanc Colombard! Like it, or loathe it, Sauvignon has produced some intense flavours, and this goes very well with seafood and Asian dishes. 7/10
Domaine Daniel Reverdy 2007
Pure quality. Highly Recommended. 9/10
Saint Jovian 2007
This cheap dry white from Lidl/Aldi, one of them, ok to try, not sure I would again. 5/10
Tesco Claret
Like it, or hate it. It's cheap and it is "Claret". 5/10
Tesco Cotes du Rhone
Like it, or hate it. Cheap, and it's a Cotes du Rhone. 6/10
La Chasse du Pape 2007
Baby Pape, but very nice. Unoaked, but good quality. Try with that winter stew. Recommended. 8/10
Maurel Vedeau Merlot - Cabernet Franc 2008
First time tasting this type of wine. Pleasantly surprised, great with brie and bread. Recommended. 8/10
Burgundy 2007
This white, yes white, oak aged Burgundy is superb! It's got to be the white to drink in a few years time. Great with salads, seafood, cheeses, or by itself. Quality. Recommended. 8/10
Chateau Gravieres de la Madeleine Bordeaux 2004
Spotted this Bordeaux in Lidl's, give it a try. Not that great, a little sharp in taste, but tasted better with a mature cheese. 6/10
Chateau de Trousse 2007
This Sauvignon was also spotted in Lidl's, and given a try. Verdict? Cheap and sharp, not my taste. But with a mature cheddar, dulled my tastebuds enough to finish the bottle. :) 5/10
Reserve De Villecours Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
A not too unpleasant drink, lacks a little depth, but fine all the same. Try with anything. 6/10
Fief du Chardonnay 2007
Another great example of Chardonnay, the 'hen night' favourite this time from France. Full of citrus, crisp, and dry. Try with seafood. Highly recommended 9/10
The Frenchhouse Chardonnay 2007
Full of citrus, crisp, and dry. Recommended 8/10
Chateau Pontet Barrail 2005
This is a fine example of a claret, aged for 14mths in French Oak, stunning. Great with hard chesses, or rich meats. Highly recommended 10/10
Chateau Bellegrave Medoc 2006
I’ve yet to find a bad red from this region, and this doesn’t disappoint me. Quality, depth and full of taste. Recommended 8/10
Cotes du Rhone Villages 2007
French, red, cheap and not that bad. 6/10
Stone Road Chardonnay Colombard 2007
A very pleasant example of this white grape blend from the Gascony region of Southern France, dry, full of citrus flavour, great with fish. Recommended 8/10
Chateau Les Rocs de Boyer 2006
A pleasant white Bordeaux, but lacks depth. 7/10
Chateau de Nety Beaujolais-Villages 2004
A simply outstanding light red, excellent with a ploughmans lunch. Highly recommended. 10/10
Montagny 2003
A dry, slighty creamy white from the Grand Vin De Bourgogne, goes well with fish, chicken and a good soft cheese. Recommended 7/10
Chateau Laveau 2005
Yet another very pleasant Claret, great with grills and hard cheeses. Recommended 7/10
Bordeaux Fontagnac 2006 A pleasant merlot, cabernet sauvignon blend, very nice with roasts. Recommended 7/10
Bergerac Sec 2005
A not to unpleasant, but drinkable dry white. 6/10
Blanc Moelleux
A very reasonably priced white, at 2.40 Euros a bottle, a cert for a good basic table wine. 6/10
Cotes de Rhone 2005
Another 2.40 bottle, but this red is a smooth, fruity affair, a very good table wine. Good for grills, recommended. 7/10
Fort Medoc 1998
A very nice Haut-Medoc from the Bordeaux region. Recommended. 8/10
Chateau Hennebelle 1999
A very, very nice Haut-Medoc from the Bordeaux region, but not exported. The Chateau is just off the D2 near Margaux. Highly Recommended. 9/10
Chateau Aney 1999
Chateau Aney was classified a Cru Bourgeois in 1932, aging it in oak barrels gives it a smokey taste, full of spices. Recommended. 8/10
Le Gravillas Sablet 2006
A very nice tangy red from the Cote-du-Rhone region. Recommended. 7/10
Chateau Du Trignon 2006
One of the famous names in the Cote-du-Rhone region, a very pleasant light red for the winter evenings. Recommended. 7/10
Chateau Les Marcottes 2005
A not unpleasant dry white from the Bordeaux region. 6/10
La Vigne du Roy Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004
This is a very nice example of this French classic, try with hard cheeses, or a good stew. Highly recommended! 9/10
Chateau Gachon 2005
A Montagne Saint-Emilion, enough said? It does take a glass or two, to develop the required taste to appreciate this beauty fully. Highly recommended! 9/10
La Barque Hieille 2004
Yet another surperb wine from Andre Roux, simply, a classic Cotes-du-Rhone! Highly recommended! 9/10
Cotes du Rhone 2005
Nothing special, pleasant, red, drinkable. 5/10
Domaine du Tresor 2006
This Merlot Cabernet is fruity, spicy, and has an ok taste. 5/10
Baron d’Arignac 2006
Dry white, not unpleasant, good with white meats or salad. 4/10
Domaine Preignes Le Neuf 2006
Chardonnay from the Languedoc region, fruity, sunny, buts lacks depth. Good with fish or white meat. 4/10
Andre Roux Vieilles Vignes 2004
Yes, my favourite winemaker; Andre Roux. This bottle of Cotes-du-Rhone has it all, taste, depth, full of spice and 15%. Another quality, but reasonable priced wine, recommended for those long dark evenings. Try with Brie! 8/10
Cuvee du President 2000 Cremant de Limoux AOC
I know, I know, it's a girly drink, but sometimes a bit of fizz, puts some life into you, especially if you fancy your chances. As for this one, a very pleasant, light drink, full of bubbles and life. Perfect for any celebration, cheaper, and better, than most branded types. 9/10
Chateau Plantier Chene Vert 2005
Another great Claret. 8/10
Les Abeilles 2004
Another classic from the master; Andre Roux, a beautiful Cotes-du-Rhone. 9/10
Chateau Bujeau La Grave 2005
A bronze-medal winner, with ripened Cabernet Sauvignon grapes make this claret a joy to drink, try it with roast meats, or cheeses. Recommended! 8/10
Chateau Fontcaille Bellevue 2004
A gold-medal winner, made with 70% Merlot grapes, which gives an even more rich, fruity taste. Again, try with roast meats, or cheeses. Recommended! 8/10
Chateau La Guilbonnerie 2005
Another Merlot graped claret, medium bodied, and with a deep fruity taste, makes this a pleasant drink. Recommended! 7/10
Domaine des Herbauges 2006
Beware! This gold-medal winner from a former Loire winemaker of the year, is just too good to taste with a single glass, you will finish the bottle. A fruity Chardonnay, as good as many a Chablis, great for the late Summer evenings! Highly Recommended! 10/10
Domaine Mercadier 2005
A fabulous, wonderful and decent alternative to Chablis. This Chardonnay goes down a treat, drink with anything, or just by itself. Recommended! 8/10
Champs Des Princes 2004
A medium bodied red, ideal for starters, but only give to those you like, not love. 6/10.
Calvet Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc 2006
A very pleasant example, fruity, fresh and very drinkable. Recommended. 8/10
GERMANY;
Four R's Riesling 2008
This German white, is different, yet quite similar to some of the French/Italian Medium wines. Had this with artic roll, quite nice, would be good with xmas desserts. Quality. Recommended. 8/10
Stowells Rivaner Pinot Grigio
A very nice German example of this popular grape. Recommended. 8/10
ITALY;
Toscana
A glorious red from Tuscany, enough said! Highly recommended. 8/10
Italian Lucotto Pinot Grigio 2011
Typically Pinot Grigio, crisp and fruity. Recommended 7/10
Le Monferine A lovely fruity Italian red. Recommended 8/10
Primitivo Bella Luna.
A new one to me, typically Italian, lovely. Recommended. 8/10
Villa Taurini Fiano 2011
A gloriously crisp and fruity white from Italy, love the label and this wine. Highly Recommended 9/10
Foscana 2011
A nice example of a chardonnay and pinot grigio from Italy, great with chinese chicken balls. Recommended 7/10
Church Mouse
I love seeing interesting wine labels, even better when the wine is this good. Highly Recommended. 9/10
Moramari 2010
An award winning white from Italy, a great slurp, fruity, fresh, dry and light. Really enjoyed it! Highly recommended 9/10
Chianti Montalbanc 2008
An outstanding example of this famous Italian red, brought this back from Tuscany. Highly recommended 9/10
Piccini 2008
Another glorious red from Tuscany, this time brought in the UK. A true red. Highly recommended. 9/10
Palatium
Another good varity of Pinot Grigio Recommended. 7/10
Gran Conti Rosso del Molise Riserva
Another Italian red I don't know much about, not as smooth as the Villa Taurini, but still nice, tried it with a mature cheedar, good combination. Highly Drinkable. 8/10
Villa Taurini 2009
Don't know much about this Italian red, brought it for the label. And found it to be very smooth and highly drinkable, tried it with a chicken stew, probably better with a beef stew. Recommended! 9/10
Seven Hills white
This Italian is from Asda; fruity, sharp and drinkable. Also a nice label. 7/10
Piccini Chanti.
A lovely rich red, and in a handy half bottle, just right for a Sunday roast lunch. Highly drinkable. 8/10.
Palastri Sangiovese Di Romagna Don't know much about this red, but it's different and rather pleasant. Had it with a lasagna. Nice! 8/10
Chanti.
One of Italy's favourite wines, rather pleasant and highly drinkable. 7/10
Tesco Vinho Verde
A cheap and poor quality version, no where as near as good as some. But drinkable. 6/10
White Merlot?!
Interesting! Didn't actually taste that bad. Try with spicy food.
Villa de Moresc...., it's italian and red, try. 6/10
La Fonte
Cheap Italian red, but not unpleasant,try. 6/10
La Fonte
Cheap Italian white, but not unpleasant,try. 6/10
Ogio Pinot Grigio 2009
A decent and seemily fresher tasting varity of this favourite grape. Recommended 8/10
Lagioisa Pinot Grigio
A pleasant enough varity of this favourite grape. 7/10
Val Duna
Italian, dry crisp, white, no too bad at all. 7/10
Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2006
Italian, nice, try it. 7/10
Linoti Pinot Grigio
This cheap version of this widely popular grape, is pleasant enough, lacks the quality of the bigger brands, but drinkable. 6/10
Bellaveroni Pinot Grigio
Yet another varity of this grape. Pleasant enough. 7/10
Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio 2008
Yet another varity of this grape. Pleasant enough. 6/10
Pinot Grigio 2007
Same grape; one of the many different winemakers who make this summery tipple an enjoyment. Great for those "Indian Summer" evenings. Recommended. 8/10
Lucilla Farnetella 2005
Never heard of this one before. Tasted it, it’s alright, full of flavour, has some depth. 7/10
Collezione Di Paolo Chanti 2006
One of Italy’s finest; This Chianti is full of fruit, spices, and very enjoyable, great with grills or stews. Recommended 8/10
Frascati 2006
An Italian classic, more than drinkable, light and fresh. Recommended. 8/10
Il Tesoro Chianti 2005
A very good example of this Italian favourite! Great with pasta, or Mediterranean food. Recommended! 8/10
Cantoni Pinot Grigio 2006
An excellent example of the grape of the moment, fruity and refreshing. Try with fish, salad, or just by itself. Highly recommended! 9/10
MOROCCO;
Les vins de Cepage from the cellar of Meknes
Yes, a Moroccan wine, this Sauvignon blanc is, surprisily tasty, must be the French influence. Brought a few bottles, had it with bbq's and tajine's. Highly Drinkable. 8/10
MOLDOVA;
Albastrele Pinot Grigio 2005
Moldova's answer to this popular grape, marked as the "wine of the Tsars", a pleasant and cheap alternative to the Italian variaties. But lacks depth of taste. 5/10
NEW ZEALAND;
Okahu Bay
A lovely white from NZ, dry, crisp and fruity. Recommended. 8/10
Crux
This Sauvignon blanc form the Marlborough region of New Zealand, is famed for its wine. This is dry, crisp and smooth, it just works. Recommended. 8/10
Freeman's Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Another decent white from this great Kiwi region of Marlborough. Recommended. 8/10
The Rise Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Another Kiwi varity of versatile grape, and again from the famous Marlborough region, highly drinkable. Had this with cheedar cheese and biscuits! 8/10
Wairau Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2009
A Kiwi varity of versatile grape, from the famous Marlborough region, highly drinkable. Great with seafood! 8/10
Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2007
A pleasant white from New Zealand. Recommended. 7/10
PORTUGAL;
Vinho Verde 2010
A Portuguese wine, thought I'd try some before going to Portugal and it's not too bad. Recommended. 8/10
Touriga Nacional 2010
A lovely wine from Portugal, dry and fruity yet not too heavy. 7/10
SICILY;
Nero D'Avola.
A rather pleasant red from Sicily. Recommended. 8/10
Di Tasso 2005
A white from Sicily, yes Sicily! Not renown for wine, but making a renewed start into this market. This soave tasting wine has quality, but not depth. 5/10
SOUTH AFRICA;
SA Yellow Tail
Sauvignon Blanc, crisp, dry and fruity. Full of flavour, lovely. Recommended 8/10
Namaqua Diamond Coast
South Africa in a bottle, not quite and not the best, but pleasant enough. Recommended. 6/10
Arniston Bay Chardonnay 2010
Another great South African white, although from a common grape, this has a bit of a lemony zing to the taste. Drink it with almost anything. Recommended. 8/10
Stormhoek Sauvignon Blanc 2010
"Seriously good wine" it says on the label, must of meant another bottle, not this one. I know it's young, but lacks both taste and depth, not normally associated with SA wines. 4/10
Western Cape white
Another cheap white from South African and from tesco's, this one not as nice, but good enough for cooking, adding to a punch or giving to your mother-in-law. :) 6/10
Western Cape Chenin Blanc
A lovely sharp tasting varity of this grape, this time from South African. A cheap tesco brand, but still nice. Recommended. 7/10
Mitchell’s Pass 2005
Another South African winner! This Petit Verdot from the Western Cape, is rich in flavour, and has good depth of colour! 7/10
Arniston Bay 2007
This SA Chenin Blanc Chardonnay, is quite tasty. Recommended. 8/10
Maria's Block 2007
This Semillon was also spotted in Lidl's, and given a try. Verdict? Cheap and cheerful. 6/10
Western Cape Chenin Blanc 2007
This cheap, but very pleasant South African wine is light, dry and crisp. 7/10
Fairtrade Cape Chenin Blanc Colombard
Ran out of wine!!! Outrageous! So brought a few bottles in a hurry, this being one of them. Not that bad actually, best chilled. 7/10
Ocean View Chenin Blanc 2005
A decent example of this fine grape from South Africa, great with salads. Recommened 7/10
Makulu Chenin Blanc
From the Western Cape, this fruity, pleasant Chenin Blanc goes rather well with; white meats, and salads. 7/10
21 Gables Merlot 2005
From South Africa, a decent and limited release of this classic winemaker! Deep ruby volume, lovely taste! South Africa is getting this grape right! 7/10
SPAIN;
Navarra 2011.
A nice Spanish red, deep and fruity. Recommended. 8/10
Rioja Gran Familia
A very pleasant drink with a roaring fire and a meaty stew. Highly drinkable! 8/10
Berberana Carta de Plata
This is the white version of this great wine from Spain and is outstanding, fresh, crisp, and made with Airen grapes. A bottle to keep as it'll only get better with age. Highly recommended. 9/10
Berberana Carta de Plata
This great red wine is Spanish and outstanding, from the same grape as a Rioja, but aged for 6yrs. A bottle to keep as it'll only get better with age. Highly recommended. 9/10
VinaSol 2010
A british expat in Spains' favourite, and with good reason. It has depth and body, you can drink it with almost anything. Recommended. 7/10
Stork's Tower
Sauvignon blanc 2008, remember the name, just buy! Recommened. 9/10
Finca La Solana de Luzon 2007
Can't go wrong with this Spanish wine, good with tapas, or anything meaty. 7/10
Barcelino
Oak Aged red from Catalunya. Lovely, perfect for wintery stews, roast game. Recommended 9/10
Labarca Rioja 2007
A fine example of this Spanish grape; great with cheese and biscuits. 7/10
Vina Labarta Rioja 2007
Spanish! Red! Rioja, enough said!? Recommended 8/10
Monasterio de Santa Cruz tarragona 2006
Spanish! Red! Lovely! Recommended 8/10
Castillo De Jumilla 2002 Reserva
A very nice example of this Spanish grape; Monastrell, full of flavour and depth, great with hard cheeses. Highly recommended 9/10
Jean-Marie Serre Cabernet Sauvignon Vin de Pays Catalan 2001
A very fine example of this lovely blend of red grapes, picked from a wine wholesaler in Calais for only 3.80 Euros a bottle. Great with grills, game and hard chesses. Highly Recommened 9/10
Bodegas Gran Martinez Rioja 2006
A very fine example of this lovely Spanish red. Highly recommended 9/10
Le XV du President 2005 Cotes Catalanes VdP
Spanish Passion in a bottle, Highly recommended 9/10
nena 1999 A stunning red from Spain, aged in oak barrels, just ripe and full of plum and other fruity flavours. Try with roasts, or hard cheeses. 9/10
Castillo de Valdestrada 1997
Made from the Tempramillo grape (which I normally don't like), but this is a stunning example of a rich, plum and oak flavoured red. Aged in oak casks, perfect for game. 10/10
Saint Jean De Serrabone 2004
A pleasant red to be drunk with a mature hard cheese. 7/10
Baron De Barbon Oak Aged 2004
Lovely! A deliciously fruity oak-aged Rioja, perfect for Tapas! Recommended! 9/10
Conde Alegre Rioja 2005
A drinkable example of this Spanish classic. Intense fruity aromas, plum flavoured with a hint oak. Try with tapas, or chicken. 6/10
Romita Rioja 2005
Just simply a stunning Rioja! Drink at your leisure. Highly Recommended! 8/10
UK;
Tenterden Chapel Reserve 2003
This is wine, but not as we know it! Unlike Land Rovers, wine isn’t something the British can be proud of. I even struggled to finish the bottle! Though that said, the future does look good for British vineyards. 4/10