Thomas T

Roche Bastide Côtes Du Rhône 2011

This wine is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah grapes which create aromas of black cherry and smokey spices. A medium-full bodied wine which has wonderfully supple tannins and a long finish. On the palate it maintains it black cherry flavour, but brings along earthy dried herbs. Picked it up on sale - great value!
Tasted February 2014.

Gazela Vinho Verde

Floral and citrus aromas bubble out of this lightly carbonated wine. An excellent wine for a hot day with lemon-lime, citrus. Clean and refreshing. Tasted December 2011

Farnese Daunia Sangiovese 2010, Abruzzo

Strong aromas of red berries, along with a slight mineral and spice hints. Thin tasting with the red berries coming through. Short finish. Couldn't really ask for much more from this price point, but still a very simple wine.
Tasted January 2012

Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico 2009, Docg

While Chianti Classico's are supposed to be ready to be aged around a decade, its sightly brick red colour meant that this wine was beginning to show its age. On the nose, I was met with a damp smokey scent, complimented with cedar and spice. I felt that most of the fruit notes were gone with just some remnants of plums. The rest of the flavours were wet stone, along with smoke and spices. The tannins were quite weak and the wine had a thin mouth feel.
Tasted March 2014.

Obikwa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

A vibrant red wine, aromas of strawberry jam, with vegetal and spice notes that reminded me of tomato sauce (odd I know!). This medium-bodied red, has good tannins with flavours of blackcurrant and vanilla hints. Finishes quick and clean. Tasted February 2012

J. P. Chenet Chardonnay 2010

Excellent golden tones. I found floral and honey notes in it's aroma. Lively taste, with it's sweet honey notes carrying strongly through. I compared this wine to the Mezzomondo Pinot Grigio Chardonnay in January 2012.

Check out the full comparison at:

http://www.everydaywineaficionado.com/2012/01/under-10-match-up_20.html

Two Oceans Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011, Western Cape

This fruit-forward wine, has strong aromas of ripe plum and soft herbal notes. Medium-body with red berries and cherry making up the majority of its flavour. Tasted December 2011.

Obikwa Shiraz 2011, Western Cape

This Hawaiian punch coloured wine, brings forth a strong red fruit aroma, with slight hints of apple. On the palate it's soft tannins and light-medium body feel, help maintain a sweet red fruit jam flavour. Short and clean finish. Tasted February 2012

Folonari Soave 2010, Veneto

An excellent aperitif, great for before a hearty tomato pasta dinner. Pale straw in colour, but much more complex on the nose than its appearance would lead one to believe. Aromas of peach, honeysuckle, and soft citrus waft out of the glass. On the palate it is off-dry, with a balanced acidity. The flavours follow the nose, and it has a medium finish.
Tasted May 2012.

Bersano Costalunga Barbera D'asti 2010, Piedmont

This ruby red wine, has a fruity nose of plum, cherry, and blackberry jam, along with a subtle hints of vanilla. On the palate it was dry with a medium body and noticeable, but not harsh tannins. Flavours followed the nose; vanilla and jammy berries. Long finish.
Tasted May 2012.