Drinking a very nice, affordable Pinot Noir as I type. It’s Villa Maria Private Bin 2009 Marlborough, New Zealand (£9.99 Sainsbury, Tesco, Coop, Wholefoods, NZ House of Wine). Fresh and sappy with bright cherry fruit and lovely savoury spiciness, this is deliciously drinkable but also has a hint of seriousness. I can’t really think of a better Pinot Noir at this price. Can you?
It has been a nice day. After a late night, the Goode family didn’t stir until 10 am, with the exception of one of our cats, who molests us until we feed him at 7 am every day. He just doesn’t give up. Paw in the face. Even a pillow over the head is no defence.
We had a nice walk with friends this afternoon on Chobham common. It’s an example of an unnatural habitat – lowland heath – that is worth preserving, because of its ecological diversity. Hounslow Heath, much nearer to us, is another example of a lowland heath. Unfortunately, these habitats are under threat, and take quite a bit of work to maintain. But they have a real beauty. Chobham common is one of the most important examples of this habitat in Europe, apparently.
This is the blog of wine journalist Jamie Goode, online since 2001. Feel free to nose around; your comments are welcomed.
Just picked up a couple of bottles at our local Sommerfields / Coop at £7.99.
Also had the 2008 mixed in at the same price.
It appeared to be a ‘true’ bin end, the following day the store was rebranded. I wonder how many purchased it for what it was; and how much was sold off to consumers buying at a price point, who now will have an unrealistic expectation of £8 NZ Pinot Noir?
I think the superstore next door has an £18 ‘generic finest’ waiting to be on offer for a fiver next week!