Vincent brought this to dinner.
The original and still the best
[Categories Spain, Rioja, Tempranillo]
2010
Torres, Gran Sangre de Toro, Reserva, 2010
We served this to the Collets at our pre Movie dinner and very well received it was too.
This is the 2010 vintage and I remember being disappointed by the 2009 so this richly mellow offering surpassed the movie experience – true to its name – ‘Cold in July’.
Ibéricos. Crianza, Rioja, Torres, 2011
Oakey Tempranillo from Miguel Torres who produce consistently acceptable quality wines.
Not as big a Rioja bang as I’d expected. Apparently, this is their first Rioja – with Torres notes here.
So perhaps a little more to do to bring it up to Torres benchmark.
Good article from the Independent Wine Review on the 2010 vintage here
Alberello, Salento Rosso 2010 – Felline
From Manduria in Puglia, this is a 50:50 blend of negroamaro & primitivo by maestro Gregory Perrucci.
Dark cherry colour, fruity nose, delivering a rustic backdrop from the region – perfect for everyday imbibing.
More information here
Les Auzines “Hautes Terres” Grand vin du Languedoc, 2010, Corbieres
Reduces to €11:99 from €14:49 in O’Briens
Laurent Miguel is producing some good stuff and this price point is moving him up the food chain.
A lovely chunky Oaked Blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah from the Highlands.
Buy on offer.
Carignan, Grenache , Syrah / Shiraz
Summary
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Colour | Red Wine |
| Style | Medium bodied dry reds (oaked) |
| ABV | 13.50 % |
| Region | Languedoc |
| Features | Made from organically grown grapes, Oaked |
| Grape Variety | Carignan, Grenache , Syrah / Shiraz |
| Food Match | Duck, Fillet Steak, Hard mature cheese, Roast lamb/beef |
| Vintage | 2009 |
– See more at: http://www.obrienswine.ie/les-auzines-hautes-terres-roug.html?___SID=U#sthash.RWh712UX.dpuf
Summary
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Colour | Red Wine |
| Style | Medium bodied dry reds (oaked) |
| ABV | 13.50 % |
| Region | Languedoc |
| Features | Made from organically grown grapes, Oaked |
| Grape Variety | Carignan, Grenache , Syrah / Shiraz |
| Food Match | Duck, Fillet Steak, Hard mature cheese, Roast lamb/beef |
| Vintage | 2009 |
– See more at: http://www.obrienswine.ie/les-auzines-hautes-terres-roug.html?___SID=U#sthash.RWh712UX.dpuf
Costieres de Nimes, Blanc, 2010, Tesco, french connection classics
From Tesco, a complex blend of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Ugni Blanc & Viognier from the maker’s website:
http://www.frenchconnectionwines.co.uk/wines/
Must do some research on Rhone Blancs.
Paco dos Cunhas de Santar, 2010, DAO
Portugese wines are often overlooked and we rarely seek them out.
This number was a Christmas gift and packed a big flavourful taste of summer fruits.
http://www.winesofportugal.info/pagina.php?codNode=119053
Reserve des Vignerons, Val de Loire, Saumur, 2010, Cave de Samur
http://www.cavedesaumur.com/en/our-wines/our-selections/
We came across this through Laura’s Wine Club.
Lovely Raspberry notes, silky smooth.
Excellent Value.
Cru des Côtes du Rhône 2010 Vinsobres Cellier des Dauphins
Vinsobres is located in the heart of the Drôme Provençale, technically in Provence.
In 1967 the village was elevated to Côtes du Rhône and in 2005 achieved Cru status.
A blend of Grenache and Syrah by Thiery Walet, aged in oak with lots of fruit. Quite dry.
Dunnes are running offers on a range of Côtes du Rhônes and this stood out @ €10.50.
Cellier des Dauphins is a local co-op and claim to be the most well known Rhône brand with over 15% market share of Rhône wines shipped.
Reserve Saint-Clair Puisseguin Saint-Emilion 2010
Reserve Saint-Clair Puisseguin Saint-Emilion 2010
Puisseguin (puis-gan) allegedly means “hill with the powerful wine” in folklore and is one of the strictest appellations in Bordeaux.
This estate is under the wing of the Yvon Mau company, itself part of the Freixenet Group
Mainly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc.
Slightly sm-oaky nose, fresh fruit, and solid dry structure.
A regular Tesco offer, buy it only when it’s on offer.
McConkey Wine 