Irish Times – John Wilson

This week John focuses on some winter warmers with some really interesting wines – Good work John !

Mouchao Dom Rafael Alentejo 2005, Portugal , Selected Independents, €14.50

“No Grenache here, but a lovely big soft earthy wine with brooding ripe fruits. A bit of a beast, but it will handle any substantial dish. ”

Les Enfants du Roc(k) 2007, Corbières, Terroirs Dublin, €15.95

“A blend of local varieties Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, this offers dense, firm dark fruits with herbs of the garrigue. Finishes dry”

Domaine de Fondrèche Cuvée Nadal, Côtes de Ventoux 2006, Selected Independents, €19.95

“From the very south of the Rhône Valley, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that compares very favourably with better-known names farther north. A powerful, compact wine with excellent purity of fruit, super balance and great length. Decant this an hour before dinner; it would go nicely with any red meat or game. ”

No1 Negociants Nero d’Avola Vasca 25 2006 , Sicily, Sheridans and Selected Independents €14.50-15.50

“The No1 version has plenty of violet aromas, and lush rich dark fruits, a tarry note and some subtle spiciness. Full on but never overpowering.”

La Flor de Pulenta Malbec 2007 Mendoza, Argentina , Berry Bros, €11.95

“Flor de Pulenta is not too big but has more than enough ripe loganberry fruits to provide the prefect foil to a steak. ” 

Two Around A Tenner

Campos de Luz Old Vine Garnacha, 2007 , Cariñena, Spain, Selected Independents, €8.99

“A very tasty wine, with soft ripe plummy fruits, a savoury edge and a sprinkle of spice.”

Tesco Finest Old Vine Selection Garnacha, Campo de Borja 2005 , Tesco , €9.49

“Campo de Borja is a great source of juicy ripe Garnacha. This one has a little maturity, with some supple easy strawberries to counter the earthy nose. Not for keeping, but very drinkable now.”

Irish Independent – Katherine Donnelly

Clos des Verdots 2007 Bergerac AC, Superquinn, €11.39

“Fresh and lively with lemon, lime and passionfruit flavours”

Chateau Bel Air Perponcher Reserve Blanc 2007, Selected Independents, €16.50

“an aromatic nose of tropical fruit with ripe apples, lemon and grapefruit zest”

Marks & Spencers Margaret River Semillion – Sauvignon Blanc 2007 , €12.49

“clean, fresh grassiness accompanied by sweet grapefruit and rich rich tropical fruit flavours of peach, nectarine and a little creamy nuttiness”