Martin, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020, Croatia
Croatia makes Some great wine and this isn’t a bad example. It’s not gold medal by any standards, but for a dry red wine., it’s very pleasant. It’s got enough flavour dark and red fruits to keep you drinking, there’s some reason tannins, and it’s very easy to drink, especially with food. At about Euro 30 bottle, it’s a bit on the pricey side, that said, nice wine.
Vina Salort, Gran Reserva, Tannat, 2021, Canelones, Uruguay
I’ve not had much wine made from Tannat and after this bottle I know why. It’s not a grape that seems to really excel. It’s OK, dry, light with reasonable red fruit flavours, some tannins and simple on overall structure. Best to have food with it to help soften it.
Milea Estate, Blau Frankisch, 2021, New York State, USA
This Blau Frankisch fron New York State is dry, light and rather refreshing. Cherry flavours with a hint of spice and served alittle chilled, it’s perfect sitting in the garden in the sun. At USD35 a bottle it’s abit pricey which is a shame as its very good.
Vinha do Fava, Reserva, 2021, Portugal
This family run vineyard produces a rather excellent red wine, primarily made from Touriga Nacional grape it’s dry, full bodied with plum, cherry and spices coming forward and lasting in the mouth. It’s smooth and subtle, quite beautiful. At £16 a bottle nicely priced too.
Patient Cottat
Pouilly-Fumé Anciennes Vignes
Pouilly Fume is quite wonderful when made right, by that I mean there’s complexity, subtlety and elegance which this one from Patient Cottat gives a good stab at. It’s not outstanding, it’s dry and light with plenty of flavours of citrus, honey and notes of stone fruits with a splash of smokiness. It does lack subtlety and it’s not got that french elegance but it’s only £16, which for Pouilly Fume is reasonable. Summer BBQ’s and sipping in the sun are recommended to go with this wine.
Wine from China is getting better, although this Moon Valley, Chardonnay, while drinkable is rather lacklustre. It’s white wine but doesn’t seem to give any reference to this noble grape, it could be from any grape. Acid, dry and non descript is the best I can put it. There are better chinese wines out there.
Brightwells, Oxford Regatta, 2013, England
At 11 years old this red wine by Brightwell Vineyard in Oxfordshire is very good. It proves that English wine can last and doesn’t have to be drunk young. Made with Dornfelder grapes it’s dry, light in texture but with flavours of hedgerow red fruit, hints of raspberry and a little earthiness. I’m generally not a fan of a wine just made with Dornfelder but the finish is silky and structure is good. Well done.
Chapel Down, Union Red, 2014, England
English red wine was a standing joke at one stage and it was not undeserved, but this Union Red by Chapel Down proves that a cheap English Wine can be good, even at 10 years old! Made with Pinot Noir, Rondo and Dornfelder, it’s dry, light but with decent flavours of cherry, violets and just a touch of oak poking through. The length is good and its still fresh, although the colour is fading. What do you expect after 10 years.
Reguta, Pignolo, 2020, Northern Italy
What a wonder red to sit in the garden and just relax. Reguta certainly knows how to make a great red wine with this pinolo grape. Its smooth, subtle, rich and yet light. Redcurrant, blueberry and hints of cranberry give long lasting flavours that dance in the mouth. Its one of the best reds of the year or even the 2020’s. At about £20 a bottle it’s amazing value too.
Chapel Down, Bacchus, 2016, uk
You have to drink Bacchus young was what the experts say, which this Chapel Down Bacchus from 2016 proves is rubbish because at 8 years old is still stonking. Dry, and beautifully rounded with vibrant citrus and pineapple poking through. Excellent.