2011
951. Mullineux, Syrah Swartland, 2011
A great way to start our South African study trip, and to finish Book 5. On the excellent wine list at Signal on the …
939. Casa Ferreirinha, Barca-Velha Douro, 2004
My first, but more importantly Mario’s first Barca-Velha. Even at 11 years of age, this is still comparatively young. Burgundy like, with riper, sweeter …
926. Vega Sicilia, Alión Ribera del Duero, 2011
A Spain-themed MW blind practice courtesy of Peter McCombie had this little beauty in the reds. I might have been a long way off …
925. Filipa Pato, Nossa Calcário Tinto Bairrada, 2011
In my ‘Odd Reds’ line-up, I thought I’d put my first Baga. And this showed how good it can be when expertly handled by …
923. Domaine de Montbourgeau, l’Etoile Savagnin, 2011
An entertaining highlight of my ‘Odd Whites’ open tasting. 3 years under flor for 100% Savagnin / Gewürztraminer. Its flavour makes it great for …
915. Bodega Catena Zapata, Catena Alta Historic Rows Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza, 2011
Once again a very classy wine from Catena, at the Alta quality level. A lovely Cabernet. Vanilla and cinnamon entry. Rich, ripe, focused cassis …
910. Seghesio, Old Vine Zinfandel Sonoma County, 2011
That this didn’t show its weighty 16% ABV says much for its quality; the liqueur fruit should perhaps have given it away. Mid-deep ruby. …
908. Plantagenet, Omrah Shiraz Great Southern Western Australia, 2011
A slightly unusual Aussie Shiraz that blends ripe, baked fruit with herbal notes and high quality oak. Mid-deep ruby-garnet. Breadth of cinnamon and vanilla …
905. Casa Lapostolle, Cuvée Alexandre Carmenère Apalta Vineyard Colchagua, 2011
Nice to see producers looking to make quality Carmenère, and this one is a paradigm for the style. Deep ruby-black. Ripe, baked black fruit, …
903. Château Giscours, Grand Cru Classé Margaux, 2011
This may not be the greatest Château in the greatest vintage, but I think a very typical Margaux – elegant and refined, without any …