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

Casillero del Diablo Reserva, Central Valley Chardonnay, 2008

Tasted 07/12/10, 75cl, 13.5%. Widely available UK, c.£7. Though it says 'reserva', this is basically Concho y Toro's entry level brand in their CdD portfolio. It's a Central Valley blend. However, as is often the case with this company, even their basic wines are better than your average New World 'varietal gluggers'. Very good tropical fruit on the nose, vanilla and apricots on the palate. Zesty and well balanced. Excellent value for money. Drink now. 15/20
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Barbera d'Asti DOC Superiore Fratelli Martini 2007

Tasted 01/12/10, 75cl, 13.5%. About £9 UK retail. A lovely example of the richer Barbera d'Asti style. 100% Barbera, aged in old oak. Dark red colour, rich cherries and mixed spice on the nose, dark fruits on the palate. Medium bodied with a layer of vanilla masking the fruit to some extent. Needs maybe another year. From 2011, 16.5 / 20.