Zilliken Spatlese 2001, Mosel-Saar-Ruher

Tasted 27/12/2010 at the Tew’s. 8% abv. Great Riesling, not too sweet, a lovely honeyed nose and good balance of zesty fruit. Ready now. 17.5 / 20

 

Volnay 1995 Les Taillepieds

Tasted 27/12/2010 at the Tew’s. 12% abv. Great 1er Cru from Hubert de Montille. Classic cured ham and forest floor on the nose. Great length, complex and elegant. A wine of real finesse at its peak. 19/20. From 2010

 

 

Barossa Shiraz Reserve 2007

Tasted 24/12/2010, 14% abv. About £8 in Waitrose. Waitrose in Partnership with St. Hallett. M&S do an identical wine from the St.Hallett’s stable. Deep purple, beautiful spice and brambles on the nose. Rich black fruits and damsons. Tannins softening slightly but full and powerful. Really superb. I kept this for one year and it has paid dividends. 18.5 / 20 – ready now.

Beaujolais Nouveau 2010, Georges Duboeuf

Tasted 19/12/2010. 12% ABV. Waitrose, £5.99. Georges Duboeuf. Bright red, lovely gamay character on the nose. A little short on the finish but pleasant enough. A solid producer, this is a good value wine and all I need from Nouveau. Drink now! 14.5 / 20

Chianti Riserva DOCG 2007 'Piccini'

Tasted 19/12/2010. 13% ABV. Marks and Spencer £9.99. Another of the Piccini portfolio from this large Tuscan producer, we think this might be the same as the Tesco Finest version. Bright cherry red, full, rich nose with toasted aromas. Cherries and vanilla on the plate, smooth and well made. From 2011, 16 / 20

Blason de Bourgogne, AOC 2008

Tasted 22/12/10, recommended by Alex and Jane. Widely available UK, currently underpriced at £7 in Budgen (reduced from a very overpriced £14). Hautes-Cotes de Beaune. Not my usual 'cup of tea' but a good value everyday Burgundy. Very light cherry red colour. Nice youthful strawberry fruit nose, hint of cured ham. Quite pleasant Pinot Noir character on the palate – cherries, a short finish and dry with soft tannins. Not much evidence of oak, about ready to drink now.14 / 20