I’m not really sure I like the branding of Brent Marris’ Marisco Vineyards, but I do like the wines. This is a remarkable botrytised Sauvignon Blanc with real personality. Marisco…
Tio Pepe Fino En Rama, the new release
It’s the third release (I think) of this wonderful sherry. Taken straight from the cask without filtering or fining, and when the flor (the layer of yeast cells growing on…
Kadarka and Kekfrankos, two very nice Hungarian reds from Grof Buttler
Ever since I judged at the Pannon Wine Awards in May, I’ve had an appetite for Hungarian wines. Two varieties, in particular, have caught my attention. The elegant, Pinot Noir…
Another lovely Kiwi Syrah, at an affordable price
Following on from yesterday’s plug for Trinity Hill’s rather tasty Syrah, here’s another lovely Kiwi Syrah, this time at a nicely affordable price. Villa Maria Private Bin Syrah 2009 Hawkes Bay,…
A superb New Zealand Syrah
New Zealand reds are exciting. They’re getting better all the time. I caught this Trinity Hill Syrah – a wine I actually bought with my own money (shock!) – in…
Cost, quality and conspicuous consumption
There’s a rather confusing aspect to fine wine. It has to do with the relationship of price to perception. Let me explain. Now top quality wine costs a reasonable amount…
Two stylish Pinot Noirs from Neudorf
You know, I just love Pinot Noir. And I get a lot of my Pinot pleasure from New Zealand these days. Here are a couple of recent releases from Neudorf,…
Syrah and Serine
I have just written up the wines of Eric Texier, who is doing some really interesting work in the northern Rhone. For me, his two best wines are both made…
Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas, a lovely Portuguese red
I’m a big fan of Baga, a Portuguese red grape variety. It’s the traditional grape of the Bairrada region, and to me it’s reminiscent of Nebbiolo: quite tannic and difficult,…