| Catalonia |
|
| Wine |
Tasted |
Source |
Notes |
Mark |
| Alvaro Palacios Les Terrases 2004 (Priorat) 14% |
CLWS 14.1.09 |
Waitrose £20 |
60% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 10% CS. Effectively the third wine. Dark red. Ripe black fruit on nose and palate but still quite tannic: finish is long but still astringent and needs a few more years |
6- |
| Capcanes Mas Collet 2003 (Montsant) 14% |
IWD 19.4.08 |
Waitrose £6 |
Near Priorat, Capcanes is the coop. Mostly Garnacha. Medium red colour. Warm, red fruit nose. Good fruit on palate, balanced by tannins and acidity. Moderate length with some development |
5 |
| Cims de Porrera Classic 1998 (Priorat) 15% |
GCS 12.01.08 |
|
Solid colour. Rich red fruit nose with some maturity. Good balanced attack and length, but rather simple on finish |
5+ |
| - ditto - |
CLWS 2.07.08 |
John Armit £30 |
Aging considerably , with broad fringe. Still ripe fruit on nose and under tannin on palate, but a little hollow. Not as good a bottle as above |
5 |
| Closa Batllet 2002 (Priorat) 15% |
IWD 25.8.07 |
|
Good colour. Rather closed nose. Rich and smooth on palate, fair length. |
5 |
| Cordoniu Pinot Noir Rose NV (Cava) 12% |
IWD 2.9.09 |
Majestic £10 |
Violet-pink, light mousse. Pinot & yeast aromas. Balanced, off-dry palate, but not much finish |
4 |
| Covida Duc du Foix Rose 2006 (Penedes) 13% |
CLWS 11.4.07 |
about £6 |
Cabernet/Merlot blend. Maceration carbonique nose. Some fruit, carbonic prickle. Not much depth or development, hot finish |
4- |
| Freixenet Cava Reserva Excelencia Brut NV 11.5% |
CLWS 2.07.08 |
about £10 |
Pale, good mousse. Slightly mflowery nose. Light, clean palate. |
4+ |
| Gueta-Lupia 1999 (Priorat) 13.75% |
IWD 19.4.08 |
Handford £29 |
Quite deep with pink/brown rim. Nose has strong varnish aromas. Very old fashioned woody/medicinal character, with good length and complexity, but no fruit |
5- |
| Jean Leon Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2001 (Penedes) 13.5% |
CLWS 2.07.08 |
about £15 |
85% CS, 15% CF. Moderate colour, with a pale fringe. Blackcurrant fruit, vanilla and spice. Rather astringent on palate - the fruit is beginning to dry out - some length and concentration, but needs drinking up |
5 |
| Clos Mogador 1996 (Priorat) 14.5% |
HASS 19.4.06 |
about £35 |
Still seems quite young. Lots of rather fruit under rather stalky tannin: long finish, starting to develop. |
6+ |
| Jean Sangenis, Mas d'En Comte Blanco 2004 (Priorat) |
CLWS 28.2.07 |
about £20 |
Garnacha Blanco + Picapol & Xarel-lo. Deep yellow. Nose has old wood and fruit. Fruity palate with good balance: long finish has old wood and slightly astringent notes - like an old white Rioja. |
5+ |
| Jean Sangenis, Mas d'En Comte Blanco Barrel Fermented 2006 (Priorat) 13.5% |
IWD 19.4.08 |
Handford £19 |
Medium yellow colour. Nose has old wood and secondary fruit. Very woody on palate, with warm fruit under. Long and quite interesting - needs some time |
5- |
| Segura Brut Reserva NV (Cava) |
WL 22.2.08 |
City Wine Collection £14 |
Parellada & Macabeo. Pale, fine mousse. Little nose. Dry palate with good fruit and structure: quite long, but slightly bitter and vegetal on end |
5+ |
| Somerfield Cava 2002 11.5% |
IWD 19.4.08 |
Somerfield £7.05 |
Green-yellow colour. Little nose. Off dry and quite rich, with some finish |
4- |
| Tesco Cava 2003 12% |
IWD 19.4.08 |
Tesco £5 |
Pale colour. Little nose. Dry and ungenerous |
3 |
| Tesco Cava Reserva Brut NV 11.5% |
IWD 20.1.07 |
Tesco £4 |
Reasonable balance: dry, no rough edges |
4 |
| Miguel Torres Fransola Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Penedes) 13.5% |
IWD 19.4.08 |
Handford £14 |
Pale yellow colour. Nose has gooseberry and vanilla oak aromas. Lots of French oak on palate, with ripe fruit, rather like a Californian Fume Blanc. Quite long but still young. |
5- |
| Miguel Torres Gran Coronas Reserva 2003 (Penedes) 13.5% |
CLWS 2.07.08 |
about £15 |
85% CS, 15% Tempranillo. Moderate colour with a broad brown fringe. Rather green fruit and some oak on nose. Tight palate, with thin fruit and a rather varnishy quality to finish. Too old. |
4 |
| Miguel Torres Gran Sangre de Toro 2001 (Penedes) 13.5% |
HASS 19.4.06 |
Sainsbury £7 |
Grenache. Quite dark, with black fruit nose. Balanced and quite complex finish |
5- |
| Miguel Torres Mas la Plana Cabenet Sauvignon 2003 (Penedes) 14% |
GCS 12.1.08 |
Handford £22 |
Black-red. Young Cabernet nose. Very tannic, with lots of fruit and good length. Needs time to develop. |
5+ |
| - ditto - |
CLWS 20.08.08 |
Mill Hill Wines £23 |
Dark red, some brown on rim. Blackcurrant, spice and oak on nose. Still quite structured, with good ripe fruit: long and developing some spice. |
6 |
| Miguel Torres Vina Esmeralda 2006 11.5% |
CLWS 2.07.08 |
Waitrose £6.50 |
85% Moscatel, 15% Gewurztraminer. Very pale yellow. Grape and rose aromas. Slightly off-dry, tropical fruits with acidity under. Very simple |
3+ |
| Miguel Torres Vina Esmeralda 2008 11.5% |
CLWS 24.6.09 |
Waitrose £6 |
Pale green. Muscat nose and grapy fruit on palate, hint of rose petals. Reasonable balance and some finish. |
4+ |
| Miguel Torres Vina Sol 2006 (Penedes) |
HASS 19.4.07 |
Supermarkets £5 |
Mainly Parallada. Fresh and fruity but no deeth or complexity |
3+ |
| Miguel Torres Vina Sol 2007 (Penedes) 11.5% |
CLWS 2.07.08 |
Waitrose £6 |
Pale colour, with a fresh, flowery nose. Clean palate with some fruit, but quite acidic and lacking length and concentration |
4 |
| Waitrose Cava Brut NV |
ONS 4.12.08 |
Waitrose £7 |
Pale, mdest mousse. Some yeast on nose. Sofft palate, reasonable balance and some length |
4+ |
| Wine for Spice Rani Gold NV 11.5% |
CLWS 27.6.07 |
Waitrose £5.99 |
Semi-sparkling wine made from Muscat, Macabeo, Parellada & Xarel-lo by Charmat method. Grapes on nose. Off dry, clean, good acidity some on finish |
4+ |
| Wine for Spice Viceroy White NV 11.5% |
CLWS 27.6.07 |
Waitrose £5.99 |
Semi-sparkling wine made from Macabeo, Parellada & Xarel-lo by Charmat method. Off dry, clean, good acidity but lacks fruit and finish |
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Central |
|
| Wine |
Tasted |
Source |
Notes |
Mark |
| Astrales 2003 (Ribero del Duero) 14% |
CLWS 8.8.07 |
Handford £23 |
Black-red. Seductive, fully extracted nose. Powerful palate, with heavy fruits and acidity. Very long, and needs time to develop. |
5+ |
| Castillo de Nava 2005 (Rueda) |
WL 22.2.08 |
City Wine Collection £9.50 |
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Verdelho. Very pale green. Grassy nose with gooseberry hints. Good dry palate with fresh gooseberry fruit and balancing acidity: good length and some development |
5 |
| Con Class Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (Rueda) 12.5% |
GCS 12.1.08 |
|
Pale colour. Little nose. Refined, grassy tatste with some finish - early picked? |
4 |
| Condado de Haza Crianza 2004 (Ribero del Duero) 14% |
CLWS 8.8.07 |
Oddbins £13 |
Made by Alejandro Fernandes. Black-red, young looking. Quite tannic, with very good fruit. Long mouthfilling finish. Needs time. |
5+ |
| - ditto - |
CLWS 25.2.09 |
|
Now beginning to open out and show secondary characterisitcs |
6- |
| Condado de Haza Alenza 1996 (Ribero del Duero) 13% |
CLWS 8.8.07 |
Philglas & Swiggot £28 |
Made by Alejandro Fernandes. Moderate colour with considerable browning. Red fruits with hints of maturity on nose. Rich, fruit and balanced structure: very long and showing considerable development |
6 |
| Cuarto Rayas Verdejo 2006 (Rueda) 13% |
CLWS 23.05.08 |
Marks & Spencer £6 |
Pale. No nose. Dry, thin and aciditc. Little interest. |
3 |
| Cuarto Rayas Verdejo 2007 (Rueda) 12.5% |
CLWS 1.10.08 |
Marks & Spencer £6 |
Pale. Fruit and flower aromas. Dry, fruity, crisp with good weight and length |
4+ |
| Dehaza la Grana 2001 (Zamora) 14% |
CLWS 8.8.07 |
Oddbins £8 |
Made by Alejandro Fernandes. Deep red, with considerable browning. Bramble fruit. Rich, slightly cooked fruit with some oak and a blanced structure. Quite long but a little sour on end. |
5- |
| - ditto - |
CLWS 25.2.09 |
|
Now getting tired and drying out |
4+ |
| Ermita Veracruz Verdejo 2005 (Rueda) 13.5% |
IWD 25.8.07 |
Majestic £6.50 |
Pale. Flowers. Some fruit, good acidity, some length and development |
5 |
| Vina Fuerte Old Vine Garnacha 2006 (Calatayud) 14.5% |
IWD 19.4.08 |
Waitrose £5 |
Rather pale red. Little nose. Some fruit concentrate, but lacks development or generosity |
4+ |
| Bod Fuentespina Crianza 2004 (Ribero del Duero) 13.5% |
CLWS 25.2.09 |
Majestic £9 |
Reasonable colour with narrow rim. Not much nose. Young, ripe fruit on attack, but rather thin in middle. Some finish but unexciting |
4 |
| Bod Fuentespina Granate 2006 (Ribera del Duero) 13.5% |
CLWS 23.05.08 |
Majestic £8 |
Quite dark. Some fruit on nose. Palate rather acidic and lacks generoity |
4 |
| Bod Fuentespina Roble 2004 (Ribera del Duero) 13.5% |
IWD 20.1.07 |
Majestic £7 |
Reasonable fruit, some development |
4+ |
| Marques de Griñon Syrah 2000 (Toledo) 15% |
CLWS 22.11.06 |
Oddbins |
Dark. Oak and fruit on nose. Well balanced palate, lots of length, some development. Coming up to peak |
6 |
| Hacienda Monasterio 1998 (Ribera del Duero) 13.5% |
HASS 19.4.06 |
about £25 |
Good colour and nose. Serious dark fruit and balancing structure: good length with considerable development, slightly stalky on end. At peak |
5 |
| Coop Jesus de Perdon Gran Lopez Airen 2006 (La Mancha) |
CLWS 8.8.07 |
Waitrose £3.99 |
Green-yellow. Floral nose. Clean palate, acidity rather than fruit – quite well made but not much length. |
4 |
| Liberalia Enologia Uno 2006 (Castilla y Leon) 11.5% |
CLWS 27.6.07 |
Hyde Park Wines £12 50cl |
Moscatel & Albillo. Rather dilute, rubbery nose. Moderately sweet, glycerine and acidity: quite long, but not together yet on finish |
4 |
| Matarredonda Libranza 2003 (Toro) 13.5% |
IWD 8.11.08 |
Berkmann £17 |
Dark, purple to edge. Fresh ripe fruit on nose. Reasonable ripeness and balance; some finish, but lacks excitement |
5- |
| Mauro 2004 (Castilla) 14.5% |
CLWS 23.05.08 |
Helen Verdcourt £20 |
Just outside the Ribera del Duero DO. Good colour. Black fruit nose. Rounded palate with some ripe fruit and good tannins; resaonable length |
5 |
| Elias Mora Crianza 2005 (Toro) 14.5% |
CLWS 14.1.09 |
Selfridges £20 |
40 yo vines. Black-red. Little nose. Hard and oaky on palate with ripe fruit and acidity under: rustic, chunky finish. Maker suggests in needs another decade! |
5 |
| Montecastro Roble 2003 (Ribera del Duero) 14% |
IWD 20.1.07 |
Penninsula Wines £14 |
Good depth of colour. Ripe nose. Heavy ripe fruit palate, with balancing structure: long, complex finish |
5+ |
| Osbourne Plural 2003 (Castilla) 13.5% |
CLWS 25.10.06 |
Direct £9 |
30% Merlot, 30% Petit Verdot, 20% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet SauvignonGood colour. Rather closed nose. Lots of grip with ripe fruit under: good length. Needs time. |
5 |
| Osbourne Solaz Shiraz-Tempranillo 2005 (Castilla) 13.5% |
CLWS 25.10.06 |
ASDA £5 |
50/50 blend. Very young colour. Some leather and flowers on nose. Confused palate with little finish. |
4 |
| Osbourne Solaz Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Castilla) 13.5% |
CLWS 25.10.06 |
Direct £5 |
80% Tempranillo. Black red. Rich blackcurrant on nose and palate. Fine tannins, ripe fruit: some development. Needs time. |
4+ |
| Pata Negra Gran Reserva 2000 (Valdepenas) 12.5% |
Jas 19.10.07 |
Jascots £7.95 |
Fruity, straightforward quaffing wine |
4+ |
| - ditto - |
WL 22.2.08 |
City Wine Collection £12 |
Tempranillo. Deep colour with broad fringe. Red and black fruits on nose. Subtle fruit with balancing structure and good length. More developed than above |
5 |
| Pesquera Crianza 2004 (Ribera del Duero) 14% |
CLWS 8.8.07 |
Oddbins £15 |
Made by Alejandro Fernandes. Dark colour with a narrow pink fringe. Spicy fruit on nose, with cream and vegetal hints. Young palate with fine tannins, ripe fruit and very good length |
6 |
| Pesquera Reserva 1996 (Ribero del Duero) 13% |
HASS 19.4.06 |
|
Made by Alejandro Fernandes. Dark colour. Spice and leather on nose. Very rich palate with ripe tannins and oak. Smooth, mature, earthy finish. |
6+ |
| El Quintinal Cosecha 2005 (Ribero del Duero) 14% |
IWD 20.1.07 |
Oddbins £7 |
Rather commercial |
4 |
| Marques de Riscal Tempanillo 2004 (Castilla e Leon) |
WL 22.2.08 |
City Wine Collection £8.50 |
Moderate red with pale brown fringe. Slightly 'sick' nose. Dull fruit character with some acidity: spice on finish. Not a good bottle? |
4- |
| Marques de Riscal White 2006 (Rueda) 13% |
CLWS 2.07.08 |
about £6.50 |
85% Verdejo, 15% Viura. Very pale green. Some floery and lemon aromas. One bottle corked, second possibly so. Better bottle was quite fresh, but little fruit character: hints at some complexity on finish |
4? |
| Marques de Riscal White 2007 (Rueda) 12.5% |
CLWS 25.2.09 |
Majestic £6 |
Green/yellow colour. Aromas of grass and gooseberry. Good crisp palate |
4+ |
| Pago de Carravarjas Crianza 2005 (Ribero del Duero) 15% |
CLWS 25.2.09 |
Majestic £25 |
Deep colour, with a pink/amber fringe. Bacjkward nose. Ripe fruit and fine tannins with good length and concentration and some development. Will improve |
6 |
| Juan Rojo Matarredonda 2004 (Toro) 13.5% |
CLWS 25.2.09 |
Berkmann £9 |
Good colour. Black fruit nose. Rich fruit with some drying tannins under: finish has some weight and complexity |
5 |
| Sillar de Silos 2003 (Ribero del Duero) 14.5% |
IWD 8.11.08 |
about £17 |
Deep colour. Black fruit on nose. Rich fruit, balanced by tannin: excellent length but not very developed yet |
5+ |
| Finca Sobreno 2003 (Toro) 14% |
HASS 19.4.06 |
Majestic £8 |
Dark colour. Not much nose. Rather rustic tannins with some fruit under: hot finish |
4 |
| Storks' Tower Sauvignon Blanc/Verdejo 2007 (Castilla y Leon) 12.5% |
CLWS 14.1.09 |
Tesco £6 |
Very pale green. Some soft fruit on nose. Crisp palate with fruit in the attack but thin in the middle. Commercial |
4 |
| Tierra el Guijarral Rudeles Seleccion 2004 (Ribero del Duero) 14.5% |
CLWS 10.09.08 |
Berkmann £14.80 |
95% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha from 100 year old vines. Dark colour. Blackcurrant nose. Well balanced with ripe fruit and fine tannins: long, complex finish. |
6 |
| Tierra el Guijarrel Rudeles Valdebonita NV (2006?) (Ribero del Duero) 13.5% |
CLWS 25.2.09 |
Berkmann £8 |
Albillo. Water white. Neutral nose. Round, with oil and acidity but little fruit: some length. Uusally used to add structure to red wines. |
4 |
| Torres Celeste 2004 (Ribero del Duero) 14.5% |
CLWS 30.1.08 |
Handford £9 |
First vintage. Black-red with pink fringe. Red fruit nose. A little thin and slightly green on palate, with some tannin showing: fair length, with a little peppery development |
5- |
| Vega de Castilla 2003 (Ribera del Duero) 14% |
CLWS 8.8.07 |
Waitrose £9 |
Rather dull colour, simple fruit nose. Quite tight tannins, some fruit under, high acidity. Moderate length. |
4+ |
| Vega Sicilia Alion 2004 (Ribero del Duero) 14.5% |
IWD 8.11.08 |
Berry Bros £40 |
Black red. Nose rather dumb. Ripe fruit buried in masses of oak tannin: length and hints of complexity. Needs a long time. |
6+ |
| Vega Sicilia Pintia 2005 (Toro) 15% |
IWD 8.11.08 |
Berry Bros £32 |
Dark colour. Backward nose. Dense palate, lots of fine oak tannins; long finish but unresolved. Needs time |
6 |
| Vega Sicilia Pintia 2004 (Toro) 15% |
GCS 12.1.08 |
|
Deep purple-red. Black fruits on nose. Rather baked fruit, but well balanced for age: good length and some complexity. Will age |
5+ |
| Vega Sicilia Unico 1987 (Ribera del Duero) |
IWD 20.1.07 |
Waitrose £99 |
Some browning. Mature fruit on nose. Tannins dominate palate, with good fruit and acidityunder: enormous length with considerable complexity but still masked by tannin. |
6 |
| Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5 o 1999 (Ribera del Duero) 14% |
GCS 12.1.08 |
|
Black red. Backward nose. Good fruit, with quite high acidity: good concentration and length |
6 |
| Finca Villacreses 2003 (Ribero del Duero) 14% |
CLWS 8.8.07 |
Philglas & Swiggot £21.50 |
Tempranillo + Merlot & CS. Bright red. Red fruits on nose. Soft fruit and easy structure, good length with some acidity on end. |
5+ |
| El Vinculo 2001 (La Mancha) 13.5% |
IWD 20.1.07 |
Oddbins £13 |
Made by Alejandro Fernandes. Good colour. Well balanced concentrated fruit and strucute, with some development |
5+ |
|
|
|
|
|
| North West |
|
| Wine |
Tasted |
Source |
Notes |
Mark |
| Martin Codax Albarino 2006 (Rias Baixas) 12.5% |
CLWS 13.08.08 |
Majestic £7 |
Pale yellow. Light flowery nose with some honey. Fruit, oil and lemon acidity: good length and some development |
5- |
| De Fefinanes Albarino 2006 (Rias Baixas) 12.5% |
GCS 12.1.08 |
|
Very pale. Rather neutral nose with dried fruit hints. Off-dry, tropical fruit on palate, with reasonable acidity: fair length |
4+ |
| Pazo Senorans Albarino 2005 (Rias Baixas) 13% |
CLWS 8.8.07 |
Philglas & Swiggot £11.50 |
Yellow colour, flowery nose. Quite weighty fruit, good balance and length. |
5+ |
| Pazo de Seoane Albarino 2007 (Rias Baixas) 13% |
IWD 19.4.08 |
Waitrose £8.49 |
Pale green/yellow. Some grapes on nose. Dry and lacking character or development |
4- |
| Pazo Serrentellos Albarino 2005 (Rias Baixas) 12.5% |
IWD 19.4.08 |
Tesco £7 |
Pale. Grapy aromas. Quite rich, well balanced and with some finish |
5 |
| Pezas de Portela Godello 2004 (Valdeorras) 13% |
CLWS 29.8.07 |
Albion Wines £15 |
Pale yellow. Nose has flowers and hints of tropical fruits. Ripe fruit is balanced by citric acidity: good length with flint and pine nuts on end. |
5 |
| The Pilgrimage Mencia 2006 (Bierzo) 13.5% |
IWD 19.4.08 |
Tesco £8 |
Young red. Some red fruit. Straightforward balanced palate with little development. |
4 |
| Tesco's Finest Albarino 2006 (Rias Baixas) 12.5% |
CLWS 20.08.08 |
Tesco £6.50 |
Very pale gold. Flowers and ?volatile acidity on nose. Very thin, unbalanced and short. One bottle lacked acidity, the other lacked fruit. |
2 |
| Val do Sosego Albarino 2005 (Rias Baixas) 13.5% |
IWD 20.1.07 |
Majestic £8 |
Pale. Clean apricot nose. Well balanced palate with some development |
5 |
| Zarate Albarino 2006 (Rias Baixas) |
Jas 19.10.07 |
Jascots £9.50 |
Pale. Full floral aroma. Good fruit, with acidity still rather prominent: long finish. Needs a year? |
5+ |
|
|
|
|
|
| Rioja Region |
|
| Wine |
Tasted |
Source |
Notes |
Mark |
| Altoro Viura 2006 (Navarra) 13.5% |
CLWS 21.05.08 |
Tesco £7 |
Pale colour. Little nose. Off-dry, oily palate, with reasonable balance but little length or depth |
4- |
| Artardi Pagos Viejos 1996 13.5% |
HASS 19.4.06 |
about £40 |
100% Tempranillo. Very distinguished fruit, with oak tannin and acidity. Long finish with development starting, but possibly too much volatile acidity. |
6- |
| Berberana Dragon 2005 (Tierra de Castilla) |
CLWS 21.05.08 |
Majestic £5 |
100% Tempranillo. Quite a plausible commerical Tempranillo |
4+ |
| Berberana Vina Alarde Gran Reserva 2000 13% |
CLWS 21.05.08 |
Majestic £12 |
80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha. Considerable maturity to colour and nose, which shows some volatile acidity. Palate lacks fruit, and is rather thin and sour |
4 |
| Berberana Vina Alarde Reserva 2003 13% |
CLWS 21.05.08 |
Majestic £10 |
Rather dilute and tannic, lacks fruit and character |
4 |
| Baron de Ley Finca Monasterio 2004 |
Tes 30.9.07 |
Tesco £14.99 |
Modern style with lots of French oak, 100% Tempranillo. Excellent fruit under oak tannins: good length. Needs time to develop |
5+ |
| Campo Aldea Graciano Reserva 2003 (Rioja Alta) 14% |
CLWS 20.08.08 |
Marks & Spencer £9 |
Maturing colour. Spicy, red fruit nose. Good fruit and balance: fair length with interesting development |
5+ |
| Campo Viejo Gran Reserva 2001 13.5% |
Tes 30.9.07 |
Tesco £14 |
Purple-red. Red fruits on nose. Rich and rounded on palate, with reasonable balance and length |
5 |
| Luis Canas Reserva de la Familia 2001 (Rioja Alavesa) 14.5% |
CLWS 14.1.09 |
Waitrose £15 |
85% Tempranillo. 12 months in New French then 12 months in US oak. Dark red. French oak and black fruit on nose. Well balanced, with a good spicy finish |
6- |
| Chavarri Pagos de Tahola Grand Reserva 1998 |
IWD 16.8.09 |
Sunday Times Wine Club about £15 |
Dark, browning fringe. Tight fruit, acidity and US oak; some finish |
5 |
| Era Costana 2006 |
HASS 6.8.09 |
Sainsbury £10 |
Modern style with fair age showing. Plummy fruit on nose. Rich, warm palate with some length |
5+ |
| Faustino I Gran Reserva 1994 13% |
CLWS 2.07.08 |
about £25 |
Thin colour with considerable browning. Farmyard hints on nose. Thin and astringnent, no fruit left. Some development but very short. Way too old. |
4 |
| Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001 13% |
GCS 12.1.08 |
|
Browing red. Mature nose. Rather woody palate: complex, quite long, but astringent on end |
5 |
| Faustino V Reserva 2002 13% |
CLWS 20.08.08 |
Sainsbury £10 |
Moderate colour. Some oak and maturity aromas. Quite well balanced, astringent on length and hot on end. Drink up |
5- |
| Gran Tesoro Carnacha 2007 (Campo de Borja) 13.5% |
CLWS 14.1.09 |
Tesco £3.49 |
Bright red. Grenache nose, rather cooked. Strawberry fruit with some tannin: finish is astringent and rather confected |
3+ |
| Izada Bianco 2006 |
WL 22.2.08 |
City Wine Collection £13 |
80% Viura, 20% Malvasia. Slightly yellow. Little nose. Fruit and a little oil on nose. Fairly dry, oak structured palate, with a little oily weight but little fruit character: modest length |
5- |
| Marques de Cacares Crianza 2004 |
HASS 16.8.07 |
Oddbins £8.79 |
Thin, rather tannic and acidic with a nasty finish. A poor bottle? |
3 |
| Marques de Concordia Crianza 2002 13.5% |
HASS 19.4.06 |
Majestic £8 |
Oaky nose. Acidic strucutre with some drying fruit. Not much finish. Too old? |
4 |
| Montecillo Crianza 2002 13% |
CLWS 25.10.06 |
Direct £8 |
100% Tempranillo. Oaky palate lacking fruit: finish has structure and an inky taste. |
4- |
| Montecillo Gran Reserva 1998 13% |
CLWS 25.10.06 |
Direct £19 |
100% Tempranillo. Good depth of colour. Not much nose. Quite delicate balance, with wood on finish. Will keep. |
5 |
| Montecillo Gran Reserva Seleccíon Especial 1981 12.5% |
CLWS 25.10.06 |
Direct £36 |
Orange colour. Mature nose. Very good balance with some fruit remaining: elegant, complex and spicy finish |
6+ |
| Montecillo Reserva 2001 13% |
CLWS 25.10.06 |
Direct £11 |
100% Tempranillo. Quite a pale colour. Good red fruit nose. Rich fruit and good structure: moderate length, starting to mature |
5+ |
| Muga Reserva Selection Especial 2003 13.5% |
MENSA 12.8.07 |
Majestic £11.99 |
Reasonable colour. Slightly baked nose, with sweet US oak. Reasonable fruit and structure, fair length. |
5 |
| Muriel Crianza 2004 13% |
CLWS 20.08.08 |
Sainsbury £5.99 |
Rather pale. Light raspberry nose. Light, balanced palate, becoming bitter |
4 |
| Muriel Gran Reserva 2001 13% |
CLWS 20.08.08 |
Sainsbury £10.49 |
Browning. Little nose. Oaky structure but no obvious fruit: subtlke but boring. |
4+ |
| Fernandez de Pierola Blanco 2005 12% |
CLWS 29.8.07 |
Albion Wines £6 |
Rioja style with US oak and not much obvious fruit. Reasonably balanced palate with a citric finish |
5- |
| Vina Real Viura 2004 13.5% |
IWD 20.1.07 |
Majestic £6 |
Modern style white Rioja: no wood character, but a bit bland |
4 |
| Las Rocas de San Alejandro 2005 (Catalayud) 14.5% |
CLWS 14.1.09 |
Vinoteca £8.25 |
Garnacha. Fair depth of colour with some fruit on nose. Soft, ripe palate, but a little hollow: good spicy finish - |
5 |
| Virgen la Sierra Cruz de Piedra Rosado 2006 (Catalayud) 13.5% |
CLWS 11.2.09 |
Oddbins £4.19 |
Grenache. Salmon pink with some browning. Slightly oxidised light red fruit. Soft and rather flat, little finish. Too old |
3+ |
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| Sherry & Malaga |
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| Wine |
Tasted |
Source |
Notes |
Mark |
| Alvear Pedro Ximenes Dulce Viejo NV (Montilla-Morilles) |
ONS 11.12.07 |
about £10 |
Mahogany colour. Tar, sweet muscat and spirit on nose. Intensely sweet, not enough structure. |
4 |
| Gran Banquero Pedro Ximenez NV (Montilla-Moriles) 15% |
IWD 8.11.08 |
Moreno £9 50cl |
Deep brown. Alcohol and raisins. Intensely sweet, insufficient acidity. |
5- |
| J C Guitierrez Colosia Amontillado Seco y Viejo NV 18% |
CLWS 8.8.07 |
Philglas & Swiggot £11.50 |
Tan colour. Nutty, madierised nose. Nutty fruit, quite acidic: reasonably long aromatic finish, but perhaps a little thin at end |
5- |
| J C Guitierrez Colosia Moscato Soleado NV (Jerez) 15% |
CLWS 14.3.07 |
Laymont & Shaw £7 HB |
Nut brown colour – nutty nose. Moderately sweet, good concentration: long, toffee finish |
6 |
| Harvey's Palo Cortado NV |
ONS 11.12.07 |
about £9 |
Dark amber. Sour, nutty nose. Off-dry, some astringency, fair length, but tarry and undistinguished on end |
4 |
| Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla NV 15% |
IWD 8.11.08 |
Majestic £7 |
Pale colour. Salt and flowers on nose. Dry, with some fruit and fair length |
5 |
| Hidalgo Pastrana Manzanilla Pasada NV 15.5% |
IWD 8.11.08 |
Majestic £9 |
Pale amber. Hazelnuts on nose. Dry, nutty and slightly sour: good length |
5+ |
| Emilio Lustau East India Sherry NV 20% |
IWD 8.11.08 |
Waitrose £8 50cl |
Reddish amber colour. Nutty nose. Medium sweet and quite powerful, long finish hot at end |
5+ |
| Emilio Lustau Moscatel de Chipiona NV (Jerez) 15% |
IWD 25.8.07 |
Waitrose £5 |
Yellow. Grape nose. Sweet and fairly simple, but well made. |
4+ |
| Emilio Lustau Pedro Ximenez 2000 (Jerez) 17% |
IWD 16.8.09 |
Madrid Duty Free c £20 |
Single vintage, cask aged. Huge sediment. Mahogany with amber edge. Rich nutty nose. Sweet, well balanced and long finish |
6 |
| Bodegas Navarro Moscatel NV (Montilla-Moriles) 15% |
CLWS 27.6.07 |
Hyde Park Wines £6.99 |
Mahogany with amber edge. Some nuts and grapes on nose. Medium sweet with balancing acidity: finish is quite complex, with cocoa and citric notes |
5+ |
| Bodegas Navarro Pedro Ximenez NV (Montilla-Moriles) 15% |
CLWS 27.6.07 |
Hyde Park Wines £15 |
Average age about 5 years. Dark mahogany. Grapy PX nose. Very sweet, rather muddy palate: finish has spice, but lacks integration. Bottle shock? |
5- |
| Bodegas Pedro Ximenez Solera Fundation 1830 NV (Montilla-Moriles) 15% |
CLWS 27.6.07 |
Hyde Park Wines £19 50cl |
Average age 25 years. Dark mahogany. Coffee, chocolate, nuts and grapes on nose. Intensely sweet, tannic hints and some acidity: long complex, mature finish. Difficult to drink. |
5 |
| Sanchez Romate Fino NV |
IWD 23.08.08 |
Tesco £5 |
Pale. Crisp nose and palate: modest finish |
4+ |
| Taberner Huerta de Albala 2006 (Cadiz) 15% |
CLWS 14.1.09 |
Highbury Vintners £19 |
80% Syrah with Bordeaux grapes. 2nd vintage. One year in oak. Quite dark. Ripe black fruit. Good balance, fair length but very young |
5- |
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| South East |
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| Wine |
Tasted |
Source |
Notes |
Mark |
| Agroxalo Casta Marina Moscatel Seco 2006 (Alicante) 12% |
CLWS 27.6.07 |
about £5 |
Aromatic - mainly rosewater. Dry, delicate wine, but no length or development |
4 |
| Agroxalo Casta Marina Tinto Roble 2006 (Alicante) 13.5% |
CLWS 27.6.07 |
about £6 |
Merlot.Moderate colour. Light fruity nose. Fruit dominated by structure on palate: some finish. Not ready yet |
4+ |
| Agroxalo De Catedral Part-fermented Moscatel 2006 (Alicante) 7.5% |
CLWS 27.6.07 |
about £6 |
Sweet muscat nose> Very sweet and grapey on palale, but little structure , finish or interest |
3 |
| Agroxalo Pansula Moscatel Dulce 2006 (Alicante) 10.5% |
CLWS 27.6.07 |
Hyde Park Wines (W) £9.99 50cl |
Cough mixture and cloves on nose. Medium sweet, oily with balancing acidity: quite long but lacks complexity |
4+ |
| Casa de la Ermita 2005 (Jumilla) 13.5% |
ONS 1.2.07 |
Oddbins £6 |
Monastrell = Mourvedre. Black-red. Red fruits and some spice on nose. Young, harsh structure overlaying rather thin, edgy fruit. Not much quality or length |
4 |
| Castano Monastell Dulce 2005 (Yecla) 16% |
CLWS 14.1.09 |
Highbury Vintners |
Good colour. Raisins and honey on nose. Very sweet but quite well balanced with fruit and acidity: finish a little astringent and lacks complexity |
4 |
| Panarroz 2003 (Jumilla) |
HASS 19.4.07 |
about £6.50 |
Syrah with Grenache & Mourvedre. Mouthcoating, rather inky fruit, acidity rather than tannin. Not a lot of depth or development |
4+ |
| Laderas de El Seque 2005 (Alicante) |
WL 22.2.08 |
City Wine Collection £8 |
Black red. Black fruit on nose. Palate is tannic, with fruit under and rather stalky and hollow. Young vines? |
4 |
| Marks & Spencer Moscatel de Valencia 2006 15% |
CLWS 23.05.08 |
M&S £5 |
Gold. Grape and alcohol nose. Sweet with a rather crude acidity |
4- |
| Sainsbury's Moscatel de Valencia NV 15% |
CLWS 20.08.08 |
Sainsbury £3.59 |
Pale yellow. Aggressive nose - grapes and spirit. Sweet, some fruit and structure: straightforward and hot on end. |
4 |
| Bod Virasa Vinacola Cerro Bercial Reserva 1999 (Utiel-Requena) 13% |
CLWS 10.1.07 |
Decanter Wines £11 |
Tempranillo & Bobal. Good colour. Mature nose. Woody tannins over mature fruit: quite long. Fully ready |
5 |
| Bod Virasa Vinacola Cerro Bercial El Perdio 2001 (Utiel-Requena) 13.2% |
CLWS 10.1.07 |
Decanter Wines £14 |
Browning. Some red fruit on nose. Tannins over fruit: rustic, hot finish |
4+ |
UK Wineclub