Red

Accidentally bought this instead of John X Merriman. This has a substantial Shiraz proportion, so not strictly a South African Cabernet blend. Deep ruby-garnet …

To continue my 39th general celebrations, I opened this before a now-traditional bottle of Rieussec 1975 (which showed the best so far). While enjoyed …

Great packaging, with a fantastic label. Sadly corked. A real pity, because tasting ‘beyond’ the taint, it appeared to be a deep, complex Aglianico …

The first vintage of Finca Allende’s top wine, I think? Ready to drink now. Elegant. Perhaps not completely top drawer, but certainly a level …

[Cheers! signature: Nigel Greening] Signed by Nigel Greening at the ‘Two Nigels’ Pinot Noir-off (the other being Nigel, AKA Sam Neill of Two Paddocks), …

My first Etna Rosso, and I immediately understood what all the fuss is about – weird and wonderful! I still don’t get Etna Bianco, …

Unctuously sweet, deep amber, with caramel, raisin and vanilla spice notes, but above all, and orange peel note that is particularly distinctive. Too ‘red’ …

Good quality, dense, complex and balanced Recioto. And a good reminder that these are only  mid-strength, at 13% ABV. Mid-deep garnet, with a broad …

Nice to spend some time on a Taurasi Aglianico, rather than just at a tasting. Mid-deep garnet, with quite a broad rim. Complex, savoury …

Very interesting to try a pure McLaren Vale Grenache – particularly as it was denser, and more tannicly structured than the Barossa – just …