tlainc

Montaribaldi La Consolina Barbera D'asti 2008, Doc

undistinguished

Kaiken Malbec 2008, Mendoza

Sainte Croix Vieilles Vignes Coteaux Du Languedoc 2009, Ac

A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Great depth and variety on the nose with nicely defined black fruits dominating, plus a confident raspberry edge. Lovely. The palate is medium bodied, soft, ripe and fresh with tremendous fruit presence with significant blackberry and red cherry tones. Dry, with a lightly tannic finish. This is an exceptionally good value for an old-vine creation from a renowned producer. Enjoy with grilled red meats. (VINTAGES panel, Aug, 2010) .. 86 ... nice wine, better with cheese than steak!

Château Haut Canteloup 2009, Blaye, Ac Côtes De Bordeaux

Family-owned and -operated, Château Haut-Canteloup has been producing wines for four generations. This offers rich fruit aromas, with plum and blueberry most noticeable. Nice wood and leather notes fill out the nose. The palate is dry, fresh and chewy, with medium tannins. A big and ripe wine with plenty of fruit and a very nice length. A wine that will reward 2-4 years in the cellar, but can be enjoyed tonight with grilled lamb with mint jelly. (VINTAGES panel, June 2011)-- 86

Fattoria Dei Barbi Brusco Dei Barbi 2007, Igt Toscana

very long legs, oakey, acidic, hint of chocolate, excellent ruby color, strong summer berries nose,good with steak and cheeses - good value

Traditional Tuscan expression – lots of earthy flavours, even a little gamey. The tangy bite that gets the taste buds craving food. If you’re a fan of late Fall this is your wine. Have with anything oven-roasted. (Billy Munnelly, www.billysbestbottles.com, Nov. 7, 2009) 87

Reggina Reserve Mavrud 2009, Thracian Valley

Casa Castillo Monastrell 2009, Do Jumilla

Langa Centenaria Garnacha 2006, Do Calatayud

nice wine, well balanced, lots of nose, excellent color, complex chocolate offset with tanins
Colour: cherry, purple rim. Nose: ripe fruit, fruit expression, cocoa bean, new oak. Palate: flavourful, fruity, powerful, round tannins. Score: 90 (Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine, 2009) 86

Les Celettes 2009, Ac Côtes Du Rhône

Francesco Minini Terre Avare Primitivo Di Manduria 2008, Doc

This red is 100% Primitivo, a grape variety that’s a very close kin to Zinfandel. Aromas of spiced plum, raspberry, blueberry and light herb emanate, leading the way to recurring flavours of berry, chocolate, sweet oak and spicy vanilla. Savoury on the palate, this medium-bodied wine has good balance, and impressive length. You can tuck this bottle away for up to 5 years, or open it tonight with fusilli in basil-tomato sauce, or grilled kebabs with eggplant, beef and mushrooms. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2010) 85