Nick Oakley popped round on Thursday and brought with him some new releases from Lisbon-region producer Quinta de Sant’ana, who he represents in the UK. I visited in March (report…
Striking but wonderful white Rioja
These two vintages of Finca Allende’s white Rioja took me by surprise. I’ve not had all that many good experiences of white Rioja (this is largely because of winemaking choices,…
An elegant Languedoc red: Ch l’Hospitalet
This wine, from Gerard Bertrand’s Ch l’Hospitalet, is really impressive. Quite elegant, which is an achievement for a warm region like the Languedoc. Château l’Hospitalet La Reserve 2007 La Clape,…
Alsace season, 4: Dirler Belzbrunnen Riesling
Alsace Riesling is really interesting. It can be dry, off-dry or sweet, and usually has more body than German examples. The best examples rank among the highest expressions of this…
Vintage Port 2008: Noval and Romaneira
I have some Vintage Port from 2008 open at the moment. First up, two with a sort of family resemblance (Christian Seely is involved in both). Quinta do Noval has,…
Champagne Philipponnat Grand Blanc, 2000 and 2004
I’m a big fan of Philipponnat. The Grand Blanc is a blend of Grand and Premier Cru Chardonnay, part fermented in wood. It’s a serious wine indeed, and here I…
Red Vinho Verde: two Vinhãos compared
Vinho Verde comes from the north of Portugal, and most of you will probably have tried one or two white examples. What most people don’t tend to encounter is Vinho…
Two impressive Aussie Nebbiolos
Nebbiolo is a perplexing but wonderful grape variety. Naturally low in colour and high in tannin, it isn’t very consumer friendly. But it is capable of greatness, as the top…
Sweet wine season, 13: Trinity Hill Noble Viognier
The sweet wine season is not yet over, even though the Alsace one has begun. It’s not been long that we’ve had New Zealand’s generally excellent sweet wines available in…