Neil Brown

Hecht & Bannier Minervois 2007

I found this wine to came up a little short with respect to the critic's reviews. Its perhaps a little more tannic and acidic than the reviewers seem to imply. It did however improve over the course of the evening .
I found just an Ok well made wine.

Dr. Hermann Erdener Treppchen Kabinett Riesling 2008, Pradikätswein

Perfect Mosel it maybe but no way is it Medium Dry. Anyone not familiar with what a classic Mosel wine taste's like will get a shock from this if they expecting anything other than a sweet german riesling of the Black Tower, Blue Nun Ilk.

Langa Hermanos Reyes De Aragon Brut Reserva Cava 2007, Do Calatayud

I cant recall much detail other than it was very good for a Cava. I brought a few bottles based on the reviews here for pre-"real" bubbly new years and was not disappointed.
I recall comments from guest on how good it was and what was it ? It kind of flew off the shelves in my area so i have to hunt around for whats left If any for the real big day....

Santa Ema Amplus Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Peumo

To me this is a top notch Cabernet. The Wine Spectator review nails it. Its very drinkable now i didn't find it aggressive at all. It's reminiscent of an expensive Californian Cab where you can taste that its Cabernet rather than just "fruit" but seems more genuine and somehow less interfered with than the USA variety

Great try it before it all goes.

Mas Estela Quindals 2006, Do Empordà

This wine is almost port like, very "heady" and high in alcohol 15%. the fruit is a stewed prune like in flavour. The overall feel is smooth, warming and easy to drink but don't plan on being awake long if you drink more than a couple of glasses!
Worth giving a trying.

Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley

A fruit bomb really. I found it a little too sickly and couldnt finish it. Little bit OTT. Maybe cellaring will give it chance to develope some intrest.

Rocca Delle Macìe Chianti Riserva 2006, Docg

Yes, this is a very good value wine. It needs a little air to soften as it does have all that good stuff mentioned in all the reviews.
Give it a chance to wake up before making a final decision on it. Its really the price that makes it so good.
In another year it will be real good so buy a few and keep em cooking until next year for the start of the real rewards.

La Chablisienne Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2006, Les Venerables

I just tried the 2007 of this and was seriously disappointed. The acidity was so high all other flavours were drowned out.
I have broken my own rule with this as i long ago decided that it's not worth buying Chablis unless its 1r cru.
This wine is overpriced i think there was a cru next to it for only a couple of dollars more.
keep away!