Novas Winemaker’s Selection Emiliana Syrah 2005
14.5% D.O. Casablanca Valley
Very approachable for a beefy young Syrah from Chile, made with organically grown grapes. Cinnamon and redcurrants mingle with white pepper on the nose, and a smooth clean palate with deceptively moderate tannins. Great drinking with steak, but soft enough for spicy chicken as well. Gorgeous with chocolate. 85/100
Gran Villa Crianza 2001
13% D.O. Navarra
Rather cheeky, just like your favorite local Spaniard, 100% Tempranillo. Aged in US oak for 12 months, with raspberries and pecans on the nose and tight grippy tannins on the palate. Actually lovely with smoked salmon. 75/100
Little Mill Estate Founders Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2005
14.5% McClaren Vale
A single vineyard production aged in French oak, this is a lovely velvety example of a hot aussie style Bordeaux blend. Blackcurrant and vanilla coulis on the nose with hints of smoke precede a full fruity palate, with firm balanced tannins and a smooth long finish. True poetry alone or with roast. 89/100
Costieres de Nimes Patrick Lesec 2006
14% Rhone
Rather barnyard on first whiff, but opens out into cherries and smoke with hints of spice and leather. Palate is rather light (probably mostly Grenache!), but full with stringy tannins and high acid. Could do with a bit more time probably to settle down a bit. 73/100
Domaine du Tariquet Gros Manseng 2006
11% Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne
Beautiful sweet honey and white peaches on the nose, residual sugar makes for a dessert wine palate that could also be matched rather convincingly with some gingery Asian dish. A rather blousy yet pleasant experience for a Maenad with a sweet tooth. 85/100
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