Palacios Propiedad DOC Rioja 2005 (Alvaro Palacios / Remondo)

Tasted 25/08/11 with the WHICH group at Vivat Bacchus, EC4. 14%, about £35 UK retail. I have had this wine in stock for about 18 months and it benefited from keeping. I still needs longer but is drinking well now. This is a 60% Garnacha and 40% Tempranillo blend from high altitude vineyards in the east of Rioja. The colour is ruby with a hint of brown tinge. The aromas are ones of fresh strawberries and some wild herbs. The palate his silky tannins and long finish, with berry fruits. It's a new style Rioja for sure with but that one that pays homage to the region's traditions. I love this wine but opinion was divided. It needs longer but is enjoyable now. If I have a criticism, it's overpriced, probably due to the reputation of the winemaker. From 2012, 17/20.

Errázuriz Max Reserva 2007 Merlot (Aconagua Valley)

Tasted 19/08/2011. 14%. This is one of the middle level wines from Errazuriz. It's about £9-£10 retail in the UK and worth every penny. This wine is made from 20 year old vines from selected plots. This is an example of some of the 'older vines' that are now coming round in Chile. It is more elegant and sophisticated than the usual fruit-forward Chilean Merlot. This has a great deep ruby colour. The nose is full-on varietal Merlot with red fruits and a hint of herbs. The palate is a little tannic still and this wine needs longer....can we keep Chilean wines 10 years now? I wish I had another bottle...16.5 / 20. From 2011.

CHIANTI CLASSICO Poggerino 2008

Tasted 22/08/2011 over lunch at the River Cafe with Sara. 13.5%. £15 in Lea and Sandeman. The River Cafe is an iconic eatery and needs no introduction. Their wine list is extensive - and expensive - and this wine represents one of the better value wines therein - a 'snip' at £40 a bottle!
This wine by Piero Lanza is really good - it's a little young yet but is deep, concentrated and ruby. It is 100% Sangiovese and after an hour's breathing, the nose was massive, with berry fruits and a hint of oregano. Good tannins and a great length. On the palate it is deeply concentrated cherries. Great value for money (at retail!). 17.5 - 18/20. From 2012.

Churchill Estates 2007 (Douro)

Tasted 09/08/2011. I last tasted this wine just under a year ago:

http://garyswinetasting.blogspot.com/2010/09/churchill-estates-douro-portugal-2007.html

I'd reinforce those comments but say it has definitely improved over a year but is still not as good as the '06. But, it's still quite a classy powerful wine that needs longer... from 2012. 17/20

Matetic EQ Chardonnay 2009 (San Antonio)

Tasted 31.07.11, 15% ABV. About £15.99 UK retail. This is a superb wine, one of the best Chilean wines I have tasted this year. Matetic is a relatively new 'boutique' winery but has quickly moved to close to the top of the Chilean tree. This wine is made from their oldest vine plots (circa. 1999). If you are a classic Burgundy drinker, you may not appreciate the style so much but you will acknowledge the quality. Soft yellow colour. This is a rich, fruity Chilean style for sure but elegant and multi-dimensional too. Beautiful citrus, tropical fruits and vanilla on the nose, in the mouth it's all fresh acidity with butterscotch. Long finish. From 2011, 18/20