Richard Coxford

Errázuriz Wild Ferment Pinot Noir 2010, Casablanca Valley

Tasted May 2012. Far from the best example of a Pinot Noir that I've had, but a little interesting in its own right. A bevy of earthy and herbaceous notes dominate and give an overall impression of having consumed a mouthful of dried leaves and other things found in the hedge whilst chewing on a stick of beef jerky. Definitely a bit of cherry trying to sneak through, but muted by the wild earthy overtones. Note the best value wine, but worth a try for something a little off the beaten path.

Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvèdre 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Tasted April 2012. A big juicy red with loads sweet overripe dark fruit flavours that linger nicely for a good while. The 16% alcohol is noticeable but not overbearing in anyway. A heavy hitter that goes down much easier than expected.

Valmiñor Albariño 2010, O'rosal, Rias Baixas

Rotllán Torra Crianza 2007, Doc Priorat

Tasted October 2013. Very dense black fruit with lots of tannin and warm alcohol heat on the finish when poured right after opening. Took a previous comment's suggestion and let decant for 45min. Tannins settled down and things seem to balance out much more nicely with black currant, prunes, oak and a hint of herbally menthol notes. Wish I had another bottle to try again in a few years to see if it settles down further.

Meinklang Grüner Veltliner 2010, Burgenland

Tasted June 2012. A very fresh wine with a tangy citrus taste complimented by a nice undertone of grassy micro greens notes. A great summer wine.

Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz/Grenache 2010, South Eastern Australia

Tasted April 2012. Very medium-dark fruit forward upfront but with a very hollow almost watery finish with only a few hints at the oak. A standard "goes down easy for everyone" party wine.

Saracco Moscato D'asti 2008, Docg

Tasted July 2012. Getting a little older, but the crisp fresh fruits are slowly giving way to a sweet apple pie flavour.

Malivoire Red 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Tasted November 2011. Very Gamay driven with dominating light berry and floral flavours. Was actually a bit better the second day once the fruitiness had subdued a bit.

Sumac Ridge Gewurztraminer 2008, VQA

Tasted Nov. 2011. Nice notes of citrus/grapefruit on the nose and palate. The wine had a mild acidity and a long finish.

Tedeschi Capitel Nicalò Appassimento Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2008, Doc

Tasted Jan 2011. Had with a nice set of ribs, but nothing really stood out with the wine. A relatively basic wine with a touch too much acidity for me.